🏹 September 19th - The Chief Brief 🏹

Key Performances and Tactical Adjustments: FSU Gears Up for ACC Play and Beyond

Welcome to The Chief Brief!

🏐 FSU Volleyball’s Head and Koenig Earn AVCA Watch List Honors
Seniors Taylor Head and Audrey Koenig are named to the AVCA Division I Player of the Year Watch List, marking FSU’s strong presence in the ACC.

🏀 Jesse Jones Wins Golden Torch Award for Men's Basketball
Jesse Jones shines with academic and athletic excellence, earning the 2024 Golden Torch Award.

No. 2 FSU Soccer Opens ACC Play Against Syracuse
The Seminoles aim to continue their unbeaten streak with a home game against Syracuse.

🏈 FSU Pursues Four-Star OL Mario Nash
Florida State continues to target four-star OL Mario Nash for its 2025 recruiting class.

🏈 Top 2027 Prospect Kelsey Adams to Attend FSU vs. Cal
FSU will host elite underclassman OT Kelsey Adams this weekend.

🏈 Defense Dominates FSU’s Wednesday Practice
FSU’s defense stepped up during practice, creating energy ahead of the Cal matchup.

🏈 FSU Offensive Struggles Analyzed Through Personnel Grouping
FSU’s 21 personnel stands out as the most effective grouping amidst offensive struggles.

🏐 FSU Volleyball’s Head and Koenig Named to AVCA Watch List 🏐

Seniors Taylor Head and Audrey Koenig have been named to the AVCA Division I Player of the Year Watch List.

Head, a transfer from Arkansas, has been a key contributor with 86 kills and 18 blocks this season, while Koenig, the reigning ACC Co-Player of the Year, has surpassed 1,000 career kills. FSU is one of four ACC schools with multiple players on the list.

🏀 Jesse Jones Earns 2024 Golden Torch Award for Men’s Basketball 🏀

Senior Jesse Jones has been honored with the 2024 Golden Torch Award for his academic excellence as a member of the Men’s Basketball team.

Jones, who’s pursuing a Master’s in finance after earning his bachelor’s degree, has received numerous academic accolades, including the 2023 FSU President’s List and 2024 ACC Academic Honor Roll.

His commitment to both basketball and academics sets a high standard for student-athletes at FSU.

No. 2 FSU Soccer Kicks Off ACC Play Against Syracuse

The undefeated No. 2 Florida State soccer team (5-0-1) will open ACC play at home on Thursday against Syracuse (6-3-1). FSU holds a 12-game unbeaten streak in conference play and leads the all-time series against Syracuse 6-0-1.

The Seminoles continue to break records, boasting a 29-game unbeaten streak and five shutouts in six matches this season.

Thursday’s match is also a mental health awareness event, with free admission and special giveaways.

🏈 FSU Continues to Target Four-Star OL Mario Nash 🏈

Florida State is still in pursuit of four-star offensive lineman Mario Nash, a Mississippi State commit, as they look to bolster their 2025 recruiting class. Nash, who has visited FSU multiple times, plans to take his official visit to Tallahassee for the Seminoles’ October 5 game against Clemson.

Despite his June commitment to the Bulldogs, Nash remains a top target for FSU’s offensive line coach Alex Atkins. The 6’4”, 280-pound lineman is ranked No. 238 overall in the 2025 class.

🏈 Top 2027 Prospect Kelsey Adams to Attend FSU vs. Cal 🏈

Florida State will host a key underclassman prospect this weekend as 2027 offensive tackle Kelsey Adams visits Doak Campbell Stadium for the Seminoles’ game against Cal.

The 6'5", 260-pound Adams, ranked No. 15 overall in his class, has already secured offers from several schools, including Tennessee and Mississippi State.

Adams, who will play in the 2026 Polynesian Bowl, is looking to add FSU to his growing list of offers.

🏈 Defense Shines in FSU’s Wednesday Practice 🏈

As Florida State preps for its matchup against Cal, Wednesday’s practice was dominated by the defense, bringing energy and execution to the forefront.

Quarterback Play
Brock Glenn had a solid day, showcasing mobility and decision-making despite a few misfires. DJ Uiagalelei also had strong moments, but struggled with timing on occasion. Luke Kromenhoek flashed his arm talent and smart play under pressure.

Tight Ends & Skill Positions
Kyle Morlock stood out, reeling in a well-placed touchdown from Glenn. Jackson West and Landen Thomas contributed with effective blocking and key catches. WR BJ Gibson continues to impress in practice, getting open consistently against top defenders.

In the Trenches
Darius Washington excelled in 1 vs. 1s, showcasing improved footwork and hand strength. On defense, DT Darrell Jackson displayed powerful moves against the O-line, while DE Pat Payton delivered multiple pressures and a sack.

Defensive Standouts
Blake Nichelson’s speed was on display, making several key plays in coverage and on outside runs. Quindarrius Jones led the charge with trash talk and backed it up with multiple pass breakups. Earl Little and Fentrell Cypress continued to make impactful plays, with Cypress securing another red-zone takeaway.

🏈 FSU Offensive Struggles Highlighted by Personnel Grouping Analysis 🏈

Florida State’s offense has been underwhelming this season, with a Success Rate of 35%, ranking 125th nationally. A closer look at personnel groupings reveals the most effective formations:

  • 11 personnel (1 RB, 1 TE, 3 WR): Success Rate of 23%, ranking 130th nationally.

  • 12 personnel (1 RB, 2 TE, 2 WR): Success Rate of 43.9%, ranking 63rd nationally.

  • 21 personnel (2 RB, 1 TE, 2 WR): Success Rate of 45.5%, ranking 30th nationally.

FSU has seen its best success using 21 personnel, significantly outperforming the national average. However, the absence of key running backs, Jaylin Lucas and Lawrance Toafili, impacted its usage against Memphis.

FSU typically deploys 21 personnel 24.6% of the time, nearly 10 times the national average. Yet against Memphis, that dropped to just 7.3%. As Toafili returns from injury, the team may lean more heavily on this grouping to improve offensive production.

With 11 personnel struggling in both passing and rushing situations, increasing 21 personnel could help the offense find consistency moving forward, especially if Toafili and other speedsters can stay healthy.

And that’s a wrap!

As the Seminoles gear up for another action-packed weekend, we’ll be following every play, goal, and win closely.

From volleyball’s standout stars to football’s tactical changes, the excitement continues. See you next time, and as always—Go Noles!

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