🏹 September 5th - The Chief Brief 🏹

Transfers, Triumphs, and Promising Talent: Seminoles Gear Up for What’s Next

Author

The Chief
September 05, 2024

Welcome to The Chief Brief!

Happy Thursday, Seminole!

Here’s the docket for you today:

🏆 Punter Alex Mastromanno earns Ray Guy Award Punter of the Week honors for his stellar play against Boston College.

🏅 Lacrosse Coach MacKenzie Plaskey is selected for the IWLCA Aspire Program, marking a major coaching accolade.

🏈 FSU Football adds four-star LB Izayia Williams to its roster, while top 2026 recruits Jakore Smith and Samari Matthews are making headlines with interest from top programs.

⚾ FSU Baseball gears up for the 2025 season with 19 new additions after a strong College World Series appearance.

🔄 Transfer Watch: See how former FSU players performed in Week 1 at their new schools.

🏆 Alex Mastromanno Named Ray Guy Award Punter of the Week 🏆

Florida State’s own Alex Mastromanno has earned the prestigious Ray Guy Award Punter of the Week honors following his stellar performance against Boston College on Monday night. Hailing from Melbourne, Australia, Mastromanno showcased his exceptional kicking skills by averaging an impressive 52.2 yards on six punts.

Highlights from the game include:

  • Three punts traveling over 50 yards, including a career-long 65-yard punt that rolled out of bounds at the Eagles' four-yard line in the third quarter.

  • A remarkable 59-yard punt in the second quarter that pinned Boston College deep in their own territory.

For the season, Mastromanno is averaging 49.9 yards on eight punts, with three successfully landing inside the 20-yard line. His outstanding performances have kept him on the Ray Guy Award Watch List, especially after being one of the three finalists for the award last season.

📅 Upcoming Game:
Florida State will host Memphis on September 14 at noon on ESPN. Don’t miss the action as Mastromanno and the Seminoles aim to bounce back.

🏅 FSU's MacKenzie Plaskey Selected for IWLCA Aspire Program 🏅

Florida State lacrosse associate head coach MacKenzie Plaskey has been named to the inaugural cohort of the Intercollegiate Women's Lacrosse Coaches Association (IWLCA) Aspire Program.

This professional development initiative includes 18 assistant coaches from all three NCAA divisions. Plaskey is one of only five Division I coaches selected.

The Aspire Program, running from September 2024 through spring 2025, focuses on enhancing coaching skills through a mix of virtual learning, in-person workshops, and mentoring. It aims to develop future leaders in women’s lacrosse.

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🏈 FSU Lands Four-Star LB Izayia Williams' Commitment 🏈

Florida State secured a major commitment from four-star linebacker Izayia Williams out of Leesburg, Florida. Williams, ranked as the nation's No. 126 overall prospect and No. 9 linebacker, made his decision after attending FSU's game against Boston College.

The 6-foot-1, 205-pound standout chose the Seminoles over notable offers from Florida, Miami, Michigan, and others.

Head coach Mike Norvell celebrated the news on Twitter, marking another significant addition to FSU's 2025 recruiting class.

🏈 2026 LB Jakore Smith Making Early Impact, Drawing FSU and Big Program Interest 🏈

Top247 linebacker Jakore Smith from Little Rock, Arkansas, is gaining attention after a standout performance in his team's Week 1 win.

Smith, ranked No. 16 LB and No. 3 overall in Arkansas for 2026, already holds nine offers, including from FSU, Oklahoma, Alabama, and Tennessee.

With Oklahoma and Tennessee standing out early in his recruitment, Smith has several gameday visits lined up for the fall, including one to Florida State, as he continues to make waves on the national stage.

🏈 Top 2026 CB Samari Matthews Sets Fall Visits, Including Two Trips to FSU 🏈

Top247 cornerback Samari Matthews from Cornelius, NC, has planned eight college visits for this fall, including two visits to Florida State on October 5 and November 30.

The highly coveted 2026 prospect will also visit Clemson, Alabama, and South Carolina. Ranked as the No. 14 cornerback and No. 8 prospect in North Carolina, Matthews is keeping a busy schedule while weighing his top 11 schools, which include Alabama, Clemson, Ohio State, and Florida State.

FSU Baseball Roster Update for 2025

Florida State baseball is preparing for the upcoming season after a College World Series appearance under head coach Link Jarrett.

With 19 newcomers—split between transfers, JUCO additions, and freshmen—the Seminoles are looking to reload after losing eight players to the MLB Draft.

Despite the loss of production, FSU returns key offensive players like Alex Lodise and Max Williams, as well as 50% of its pitching innings, led by junior Jamie Arnold. Fall ball begins later this month.

FSU's Transfer Portal Strategy: Hits, Misses, and PFF Grades

Florida State's 2024 transfer portal additions haven’t lived up to the high standards set by past recruits, such as Keon Coleman and Jared Verse. Looking at PFF grades from last year compared to this season sheds light on the underperformance:

  • RB Roydell Williams (Alabama): 2023: 75.1 | 2024: 65.2 – Williams has seen a drop in productivity, averaging just 3.2 yards per carry.

  • OL Richie Leonard (Florida): 2023: 75.9 | 2024: 64.8 – Though a solid addition, Leonard's performance has dropped, contributing to FSU's struggles on the line.

  • LB Cam Riley (Auburn): 2023: 71.3 | 2024: 61.0 – Riley's tackling has been inconsistent, reflecting a need for more growth.

By contrast, some defensive players like DE Sione Lolohea (PFF Grade 67.6) have shown promise. However, key figures like Marvin Jones Jr. (51.3) have underwhelmed, leading to a loss in FSU's defensive pressure.

Comparing these grades to FSU's successful 2023 portal acquisitions emphasizes how much the team benefited from high-quality playmakers last year. Jared Verse (2023: 83.9) and Jammie Robinson (2023: 81.6) both exceeded expectations, significantly contributing to the team's success. The drop-off in both quality and consistency in this year’s class highlights the challenge FSU faces moving forward.

🔄 Former FSU Players in Week 1: Transfer Roundup 🔄

Several former Seminoles had mixed performances in Week 1 at their new schools:

  • Tate Rodemaker (Southern Miss): Struggled with 126 yards, 2 INTs.

  • Rodney Hill (Arkansas): Scored a TD with 15 rushing yards.

  • Vandrevius Jacobs (South Carolina): Led the team with 59 receiving yards.

  • Malcolm Ray (Rutgers): 4 tackles as a starting DT.

  • Greedy Vance Jr. (USC): 4 tackles in a win over LSU.

  • Tyler Keltner (Oklahoma): Nailed 3 field goals, including a 50-yarder.

And that’s a wrap!

Thanks for diving into this edition of The Chief Brief!

From Alex Mastromanno's standout punting performance to exciting recruiting updates, FSU athletics continue to make headlines.

Stay tuned for more news and insights as we follow the Seminoles on their journey through the season.

Until next time—keep that Seminole spirit alive! 🌟💪

Go Noles!

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Transfers, Triumphs, and Promising Talent: Seminoles Gear Up for What’s Next