🏹 September 6th - The Chief Brief 🏹

🏆 Rising to the Challenge: FSU Eyes a Turnaround and Future Success 🏆

Author

The Chief
September 06, 2024

Welcome to The Chief Brief!

TGIF Seminole!

Here’s the docket for you today:

🏐 FSU Volleyball looks to extend their winning streak on the road!

⛳ The Women's Golf team unveils an exciting 2024-25 schedule.

🏈 Key recruiting updates, including Daylan McCutcheon and Devin Carter.

🏈 Norvell's next steps as FSU seeks to regroup after a tough start.

🏈 NFL Week 1: Catch your favorite FSU alumni in action!

🏐 Noles Seek to Extend Streak on the Road! 🏐

The No. 15 Florida State volleyball team (3-0) heads to Auburn, Ala., aiming to build on their hot start! Facing Cal Poly (2-1) on Friday and Auburn (4-0) on Sunday, the Noles are ready to continue their momentum.

No live stream for Friday’s match, but you can follow stats online. Sunday's matchup will be streamed on SECN+.

Dominating Start: FSU swept USF and UC Santa Barbara last weekend, also knocking off No. 25 Georgia, marking their 41st Top-25 victory.

Key players Audrey Koenig, Taylor Head, and Khori Louis led the charge, with Koenig making waves as she inches closer to 1,000 career kills.

The Noles now rank No. 15 in the AVCA/TARAFLEX Poll, their highest standing since 2017.

Spotlight on Transfers & Stars: Transfer Taylor Head impressed with her all-around play, while Khori Louis and Koenig continue their strong performances from 2023.

Returning libero Emery Dupes is ready to anchor the defense again after injury, and Perry shone with 14 blocks on opening weekend.

Looking Ahead: FSU faces a tough non-conference schedule and a competitive ACC slate, including showdowns with Louisville, Pitt, and Miami.

⛳ FSU Women’s Golf Announces Challenging 2024-25 Schedule! ⛳

The Florida State Women's Golf Team, led by 15th-year head coach Amy Bond, revealed a stacked 2024-25 schedule featuring nine prestigious tournaments.

Highlights include the Folds of Honor Collegiate at American Dunes Golf Club and the FSU-hosted 12th Annual Match Up at Seminole Legacy.

The fall season includes top-tier events like the Schooner Fall Classic and Jackson T. Stephens Cup, while the spring schedule kicks off in Mexico with the Collegiate Invitational.

🏈 Recruiting Update: Daylan McCutcheon Stays Committed Despite FSU's Rocky Start 🏈

Despite Florida State's 0-2 start to the 2024 football season, four-star wide receiver commitment Daylan McCutcheon remains unfazed.

McCutcheon is more focused on FSU's offensive execution, particularly in the passing game, rather than their early losses.

While other programs are staying in contact, no major threats to flip his commitment have emerged.

Ranked as the nation’s No. 107 player, McCutcheon plans to visit Tallahassee soon, confident that Coach Norvell will get the offense back on track.

🏈 Top WR Prospect Devin Carter Targets Key Visits 🏈

Devin Carter, the No. 34 prospect in the 2026 class, is narrowing down his visits this fall, with schools like Texas, LSU, Georgia, Alabama, Auburn, Clemson, and FSU on his radar.

While he communicates with 13 schools, he plans to visit six or seven, with Georgia being a top priority.

His strong relationship with Georgia WR coach James Coley, who worked with Carter's dad, strengthens Georgia's appeal.

Carter ranks as the No. 6 WR and No. 3 player in Georgia.

🏈 FSU O-Line Commit Peyton Joseph Set for Campus Visit 🏈

Peyton Joseph, the No. 7 interior offensive lineman in the 2025 class, committed to Florida State in July and will visit Tallahassee on Sept. 14 when the Noles host Memphis.

Though committed to FSU, Joseph is also eyeing visits to UCF and Georgia later this season. Standing 6’3” and 309 pounds, Joseph is a key addition to the Seminoles’ recruiting class and a prospect with NFL potential.

🏈 Recruiting Watch: 5 Key FSU Commits Under Pressure 🏈

Florida State’s rocky 0-2 start is putting pressure on the recruiting front, with several top 2025 commits now being targeted by other major programs. Here's a breakdown of the five players FSU needs to keep an eye on:

1. Myron Charles – 4-star DL
Charles turned down Texas in favor of FSU, despite the Longhorns offering a bigger NIL package. Texas hasn’t given up, especially as they look strong this season, making Charles one of the most vulnerable to flipping.

2. Kevin Wynn – 4-star DL
FSU beat Georgia for this prized defensive lineman, but the Bulldogs are still in pursuit. With FSU’s rough start, Wynn may reconsider his commitment if Georgia continues their success this season.

3. CJ Wiley – 4-star WR
Wiley’s commitment shocked Georgia earlier this year, and the Bulldogs are still very much in the race. He visited FSU during their loss to Boston College, and while he seems locked in, the season’s trajectory could change things.

4. Solomon Thomas – 5-star IOL
The crown jewel of FSU’s 2025 class, Thomas has been pursued by LSU, Florida, and Miami for months. Although he remains solid in his commitment, FSU’s struggles might open the door for rivals to make a late push.

5. Javion Hilson – 4-star Edge
Hilson is a highly-ranked edge rusher, and programs like Texas and Alabama were heavily involved before he committed. While there’s no immediate danger of a flip, he’s one to monitor closely as the cycle continues.

🏈 FSU's Youth Movement: 5 Underclassmen to Watch 🏈

With FSU off to an unexpected 0-2 start, it might be time to focus on younger talent for both immediate improvements and long-term growth. Here are five underclassmen the Seminoles should invest more reps in:

1. QB Brock Glenn
While DJ Uiagalelei has struggled, it's time to explore the potential of sophomore Brock Glenn. His athleticism and room to grow could provide the offensive spark FSU desperately needs. Glenn's development could help build towards a more dynamic future for the team.

2. LB Justin Cryer
Cryer impressed after stepping into the rotation, earning an above-average 67.6 PFF grade. As a redshirt freshman, his physicality and leadership skills make him a strong candidate for more reps. He could elevate the linebacker corps as he continues to develop.

3. RB Kam Davis
Despite some freshman mistakes, Davis plays with passion and physicality. His energy and work ethic could help establish a more consistent run game, something the offense has sorely lacked. Investing in Davis might give the Noles a more reliable ground attack.

4. TE Amaree Williams & Landen Thomas
The tight end group hasn’t lived up to expectations, with veterans struggling to produce. Williams and Thomas bring athleticism and receiving ability, making them valuable assets for the future. FSU should look to give these two more opportunities to develop.

5. OL Jaylen Early
With offensive line struggles continuing, Early showed promise with a 73.0 PFF grade in limited snaps. If Jeremiah Byers remains sidelined, Early could be a key piece in reshaping FSU’s offensive line. Committing to his development could stabilize the front five.

🏈 Norvell and FSU Seek to Regroup After Rough Start 🏈

Florida State’s 0-2 start has raised concerns both on and off the field, but Coach Mike Norvell remains focused on correcting the course.

During Thursday’s “training camp” style practice, Norvell emphasized individual improvement over sweeping changes. QB DJ Uiagalelei had mixed results, with both standout throws and concerning misses.

Meanwhile, Brock Glenn and Luke Kromenhoek showed flashes of potential but struggled with consistency.

Drops remain an issue among the receivers, but players like Kam Davis and defensive standouts like Azareye'h Thomas and Blake Nichelson continue to show promise.

While FSU works on fundamentals, Norvell stresses that the team must focus on day-to-day improvement.

He believes the mistakes, especially on defense, are more mental than physical, and the coaching staff is determined to correct issues like poor tackling and missed opportunities.

With key players returning and adjustments underway, the hope is that FSU can get back on track against Memphis next week.

Despite the setbacks, Norvell remains resolute, determined to lead the Seminoles through this challenging period.

Though he acknowledges fan frustrations, his message to the team is clear: focus on the present, improve daily, and build towards a strong finish.

As Norvell continues to navigate this pivotal moment in his tenure, the future of FSU football depends on his ability to right the ship and restore confidence.

Read more here and here and even here

🏈 NFL Week 1: FSU Alumni in Action 🏈

Sunday Slate

  • Steelers vs. Falcons (1 p.m., FOX):

    • Falcons: DT Eddie Goldman

  • Cardinals vs. Bills (1 p.m., CBS):

    • Cardinals: RB Trey Benson

    • Bills: WR Keon Coleman

  • Raiders vs. Chargers (4:05 p.m., CBS):

    • Raiders: DE Janarius Robinson

    • Chargers: CB Asante Samuel Jr., S Derwin James

Sunday Night Football

  • Rams vs. Lions (8:20 p.m., NBC):

    • Rams: DT Braden Fiske, OLB Jared Verse

Monday Night Football

  • Jets vs. 49ers (8:15 p.m., ESPN):

    • Jets: QB Jordan Travis (reserve), OLB Jermaine Johnson II

    • 49ers: LB Tatum Bethune, CB Renardo Green

And that’s a wrap!

As we head into our bye week and first week of NFL action, we’re confident the best is yet to come for FSU.

Stay tuned for more coverage, and don’t miss the next big moments in FSU sports.

Go Noles! 🍢

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