🏹 September 28th 2023 - The Chief Brief 🏹

The Seminole Scoop: Inside FSU's Bye-Week Recruiting Drive & On-Field Dominance

Author

The Chief
September 28, 2023

Only 2 home games aren’t sold out!

Introduction:
Welcome back to another edition of The Chief Brief, brought to you by our proud sponsor, The Gnarley Barley. As the Seminoles enjoy their bye week, the FSU staff isn't taking any breaks. They're hitting the road, scouting talent, and ensuring the future of our team remains bright. Dive in to get the latest updates on FSU's recruiting efforts and more.

Television Trends: Seminoles in the Spotlight
Florida State's football team has been garnering significant attention this season, not just for their on-field performances but also in terms of television viewership. The team's games have consistently drawn large audiences, making them one of the most-watched teams in the ACC.

With a 4-0 start to the season, the Seminoles have faced off against notable teams like LSU and Clemson. According to data from Sports Media Watch, the recent game against Clemson attracted 6.71 million viewers, making it the third most-watched game of that weekend. The season opener against LSU also saw high viewership, with 9.17 million tuning in.

It's worth noting that even games with lower stakes, such as the match against Boston College, managed to draw a respectable 3.48 million viewers. In comparison to in-state rivals Miami and Florida, FSU's viewership numbers have been notably higher for the games listed.

As the season progresses, with upcoming games against rivals Miami and Florida, as well as a matchup against Duke, it will be interesting to see how these viewership trends continue.

Jackson's Journey to the Field
Florida State's defensive tackle, Darrell Jackson, has faced a series of challenges this season, particularly with his eligibility. Jackson, who transferred to FSU after stints at Miami in 2022 and Maryland in 2021, found himself in a complex situation when his hardship waiver was denied by the NCAA, rendering him ineligible for the regular season.

However, there's a silver lining for Jackson and the Seminoles. Coach Mike Norvell confirmed that Jackson will be available for postseason play. "Postseason will be a reality for Darrell as we get to that point," Norvell stated. This means that once the fall semester concludes in mid-December, Jackson will be eligible to participate in a bowl game or playoff.

The NCAA's decision to tighten restrictions for two-time transfers has been a point of contention, especially since the stricter guidelines were implemented after Jackson's enrollment at FSU. Despite the challenges, Jackson remains committed to his growth and preparation. Norvell praised Jackson's work ethic, noting his dedication to training as if he were playing each week.

As the Seminoles look forward to the postseason, Jackson's presence on the field will undoubtedly be a significant addition to the team's defensive lineup.

Clemson's Potential Move: Big Ten or SEC?
Recent whispers surrounding Clemson's affiliation with the ACC have grown louder, hinting at a potential departure from the conference. A senior administrator from Clemson has advised fans and followers to "Stay very tuned," indicating that an announcement regarding Clemson's ACC exit could be imminent and might happen "sooner than later."

The burning question now is: Where will Clemson head next? Speculations are rife about whether the Tigers will join the Big Ten or the SEC. What's clear, however, is that Clemson has managed to navigate the complexities of the Grant of Rights, paving the way for this potential shift.

The implications of such a move are vast, not just for Clemson but for the entire landscape of college football. As the story unfolds, all eyes will be on Clemson and their next strategic move in the ever-evolving world of collegiate sports.

On the Trail: FSU Staff Eyes Top Prospects
The Seminoles are on a bye week, and that means the coaching staff is on the move, scouting recruits across the nation. Here's a quick breakdown of the latest in FSU recruiting:

  • Hitting South Florida Hard: The staff is expected to visit top prospects like Four-star DB Jamari Howard, Five-star Plus WR Jeremiah Smith, and 2025 standout DB Chris Ewald, among others. The buzz suggests FSU's best chances lie with Smith, Patterson, Ewald, Howard, and Blount.

  • Georgia on Their Mind: The Peach State will also see visits from the FSU staff, targeting talents like Five-star DB KJ Bolden and four-star LB Jadon Perlotte. Bolden remains a strong commit to FSU despite visits to other schools.

  • Ny Carr's Decommittal: Four-star WR Ny Carr recently decommitted from Georgia, and FSU is in the mix. Carr's interest in FSU's passing game and the potential of QB Luke Kromenhoek might tilt the scales in the Seminoles' favor.

  • Charles Lester's Commitment: Despite visiting Florida, Five-star DB Charles Lester's commitment to FSU remains strong. The sentiment around Lester is that FSU offers a unique and special environment.

  • More Names to Watch: Four-star DB Cai Bates, Four-star DT Artavius Jones, DT Nasir Johnson, and Five-star WR Cam Coleman are all on FSU's radar. The next few weeks could see a flurry of visits and potential commitments, especially around the Miami game.

  • Who's Next to Commit? Word on the street is that DB Jamari Howard or a couple of OL from the 2025 class might be the next to pledge their allegiance to the Seminoles.

The next few weeks promise to be action-packed in the world of FSU recruiting. As the Seminoles prepare for their upcoming games, the future of the team is being shaped off the field.

Closing Note:
Well, there you have it. Another newsletter, another rollercoaster of emotions. Who knew the world of college sports could be so...dramatic? But hey, that's why we love it, right? Until next time, keep your expectations high and your sarcasm levels higher. Cheers!