Before this weekend's Tallahassee Super Regional, I compared the FSU and UConn baseball teams' statistics this season to see how the Huskies could challenge the Seminoles.

Plus a preview of the UConn players in the lineup and on the mound to know entering the series.

The Academic Progress Rate numbers for Florida State football were once a major sore spot. Now it's a bright spot.

The NCAA defines its APR as holding colleges "accountable for the academic progress of their student-athletes through a team-based metric that accounts for the eligibility and retention of each student-athlete for each academic term." It's not the same as graduation rate but a team must earn a four-year average APR of 930 to compete in championships.

FSU's APR rate in football sunk to as low as 936 (on a 1,000 scale) in 2017-18, but has bounced back considerably under coach Willie Taggart and now coach Mike Norvell. He has made academic achievement a core of the program and FSU's multi-year rate has risen steadily to 972 in 2021-22 and 982 in 2022-23.

ACC Network sucks. If there is an ACC game on we should be watching it not All ACC.

We are breaking down offers from Offensive lineman. If there is one position group that you really need to see a player in person outside of quarterback it is lineman. Most of these guys are just bigger than the guys they go against in high school. Now you can watch film and see their technique. You can see their athletic ability. There are certain things film will tell you. That being said you can't make a full evaluation off just film with offensive lineman.


Darius Gray: St Christophers (VA) 6’5-300 (2026) (4) Plays tackles may project better as a guard. Like that he also plays on the defensive line. You will see him on the defensive line and Gray uses his hands well. He moves well laterally. He is someone that is going to get to the second level. Of the three offensive lineman rated so far, I may like him the most. Guy gets moving. He gets out his stance quickly and onto the defender before they can react. Gray is the real deal.

Immanuel Iheanacho: Georgetown Prep (MD) 6’7-340 (2026) (5) Ranked one of the top lineman in the country. Big kid. He is over 6'5 for sure. You see him listed as big as 6'7. He is massive. You watch him and he will block one defender, come off his guy and block someone else. He moves pretty well for someone his size. He drives a defender back and you will see his feet always moving. Wonder what type of lateral quickness he has. He dominates on film. Reminds me of Evan Neal who played at Alabama and ended up in the NFL.

Blaise Thomassie-Catholic (LA) 6’5-260 (2026) (4) Blaise weighs 260 pounds. That is most likely the smallest of the lineman FSU has offered. Good thing is there is room to get bigger. He needs to get bigger and stronger. Moves very well. He runs like a tight end. He maybe the best athlete on the board. Love the way this kid moves. He does get overpowered at times. He does need to get into a college weight room. He has good upside. His feet are probably the best of any of the offensive lineman we have evaluated who have been offered this spring. Gets on a defender quickly. He initiates first contact. He uses his hands well. Stays on balance and plays with good leverage. If he was bigger and stronger, Blaise would be ranked higher.

Elijah Hutcheson: William Fleming (VA) 6'7-270 (2026) (3) (Committed to Virginia) Listed as an OT and a DE. I like prospects that play on both sides of the football in high school. Turn on the film and this kid is athletic. He can move. He has very good feet. Wow. Surprised he is listed as a 3-star. Does need to get bigger and stronger but that is expected. He moves well for a big man. He has some power in his game. He can move. He plays a little high. Technique needs work. Elijah is a tackle. He is not as fully developed but is a better athlete than some of the guys listed above. I really like his film. Type of lineman that goes to BC, BYU, Virginia and end up first round picks in the NFL Draft.

John Turntine-North Crowley-(TX) 6’5-300 (2026) (4) Big, thick lineman. He can play guard or tackle at the next level. Impressive with the way this kid moves. He is violent with his hands. Gets physical at the point of attack. Not sure how much room he has to grow. Sometimes does not have great hand placement. Not as athletic as some of the other guys. Maybe a guard. Once again...hands. He uses them well. He has a nice kick slide. Gets out onto a defender and stays in front of them. Does not allow defenders to cross his face. He is a good player. Not sure what his upside is. Seems like there is not a ton of room for growth. What he is....is what he most likely will be

Ekene Ogboko: South Garner (NC) 6’6-290 (2026) (4) One thing is for certain these kids keep getting bigger and bigger in HS. To think he is only going to be a junior is just crazy. He comes off the ball a little high. So there is room for him to improve his technique. He can move. You will see him get out and pull. He does not allow defenders to cross his face. He is strong in the run game. Probably a better run blocker at this time. Little more athletic on film than Iheancacho.

Sam Roseborough: Clearwater (FL) 6’5-290 (2026) (NR Rivals) Not as big as some of the other guys on the board. That is no surprise as he is a Florida prospect. Most of the Florida prospects are not fully developed in high school. He is a good player. Like that he also plays on the defensive line. Good athlete. You will see him down the field blocking. He is nowhere fully developed. He fits some of my criteria for offensive line. He has size, he is athletic, he can bend, he can move laterally. His technique needs work. The question now is Sam coachable. Sam is probably a solid 3-star type lineman with the potential to be a 4-star down the road. POTENTIAL.

Avery Morcho: Ridge Point (TX) 6’5-270 (2026) (3) It is crazy to think that these days 270 pounds is not consider big anymore. He has good size (6'5). The first thing you notice on film is his technique. This is something that Avery can work on. He bends or leans over to block. At times he will shoot straight up off the ball. You will see him get out and block defensive backs. He has some athletic ability. He has to get stronger. He is raw but you can see some upside. Will use his hands well. Did I saw he was RAW....?


Felix Ojo-Lake Ridge HS (TX) 6’7-280 (2026) (3) Looks thin. Still needs to get bigger and stronger. Has size (6'7). Raw. He has length and you would like to see him use it better. Moves feet alright. Not as fluid or as athletic as some of the other guys on the board. He is someone that must get stronger. He does not really move defenders. That will come as he gets stronger in the lower body. Probably the least impressive of the lineman offered this spring. Not a great run or pass blocker.

Day’jon Moore: Willis HS (TX) 6’4-300 (2026) (NR) (OG) Moore is a guard. He is not ranked ath this time by Rivals. He will allow defenders to cross his face. He must learn to move his feet quicker. Not blown away by Moore. Seems to get overpowered at times. He is big....What I saw on film was not enough to offer him. I think he is someone that you evaluate in person. Maybe someone you go after if everyone else on the board decides to go somewhere else. Still has two years to develop. Not a take at this time.

Musa Bajaha - 19 U German Prospect - Was offered recently. Grown man. He is someone that is going to need to be evaluated in person.

2027 Offers
Jasper Ngokwere: Richardson HS (TX) 6’5-270 (2027) (No Film / Plays basketball) Must of been an in person evaluation this spring. There is no video on-line to watch and evaluate.

Josh Petty trimmed down his list of contending schools to just five today.

Florida State, Stanford, Tennessee, Georgia Tech, and Ohio State have made the cut. Oregon, Clemson and Auburn have been knocked out of contention.

Florida State is the perceived leader right now for Petty as it is rumored that his sister will be attending Florida State in the fall. Petty has an unannounced official visit to Georgia Tech, an official visit to Ohio State (June 14th) and will take his official visit to Florida State on June 21st.

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FSU sports information:

The No.20/NR Florida State outdoor track and field teams will be represented by 11 members at the 2024 NCAA Outdoor Track and Field Championships from June 5-8 at Hayward Field in Eugene, Oregon.

The meet will be available on ESPN2, and live timing will be provided through flash results.

On Wednesday, Tyson Williams will compete in the men’s semifinal of the 110-meter hurdles at 8:32 p.m. The top 12 in the race will advance to finals on Friday. Jeremiah Davis, Curtis Williams, and Jordan Turner will compete in the long jump final at 9:00 p.m.

Friday will feature semifinals of the 4x100 relay, as well as finals of the triple jump, and 5,000.

The women’s semifinals will take place on Thursday. The Seminoles will compete in at least four races, starting at 8:46 p.m. with the 1,500. The top 12 student-athletes in each event will advance to finals on Saturday.

The 20th-ranked women’s team is led by sophomore Dajaz DeFrand who set a school record and ACC record in the 100, at 10.94. DeFrand erased the time that was set by Eddiong in 2022 at 11.05. She concluded her weekend in 200, setting an ACC record and lifetime best of 22.34. Her performance was the second-fastest in school history.

The FSU men’s team was highlighted by Davis as he placed second in the long jump at the East Region Preliminaries with a mark of 7.75m (25-5¼), before competing in the triple jump, placing fifth at 16.15m (53.0).

“We are super excited for the national finals,” said FSU track and field head coach Bob Braman. “We had a great prelim round at regionals and we’re sending some true stars to Eugene. Jeremiah and Dajaz are our cornerstones, but there are several athletes who could become first-team All-Americans.”

WEDNESDAY – Men’s semifinal/ final (all times Eastern)
8:32 p.m. 110m hurdles (semifinal) –Tyson Williams
9:00 p.m. Long jump (final) - Jeremiah Davis, Jordan Turner, Curtis Williams

THURSDAY – Women’s semifinal (all times Eastern)
8:46 p.m. 1,500m – Suus Altorf
9:30 p.m. 100m hurdles – Alexandra Webster
9:46 p.m. 100m – Dajaz DeFrand, Shenese Walker
10:30 p.m. 400m hurdles – Tyra Wilson
10:44 p.m. 200m – Dajaz DeFrand

FRIDAY - Men’s finals (Top 12 advance)
8:20 p.m. Triple jump– Jeremiah Davis, Kyvon Tatham
8:42 p.m. 110m hurdles
10:55 p.m. 5,000m – David Mullarkey

SATURDAY - Women’s finals (Top 12 advance)
5:41 p.m. 1,500m
6:12 p.m. 100m hurdles
6:22 p.m. 100m
6:57 p.m. 400m hurdles
7:07 p.m. 200m

Interesting stuff.

Read the Motion.

“Clemson does not dispute the validity or enforceability of the GoR.”

They point out they assigned only rights needed for the conference to meet obligations under the media deal. I agree. This is something the ACC treats differently than it says. The ACC acts like it’s an unrestricted GoR.

And the rights include the right to produce and distribute events subject to the ESPN deal. I agree 100% with their assertion the ESPN deal is THE specific one referenced in the GoR. Then all the facts are redacted.I want to see that because Clemson seems to think it is really clear. “Based on the plain, unambiguous language of the Grant of Rights and the ESPN Agreements, Clemson is entitled to partial summary judgment granting declaratory relief on the first cause of action specifically, declaratory judgment affirming that the Grant of Rights does not include the right to produce and distribute games played by Clemson if and when it ceases to be a member of the ACC.”

SJ on this issue is a game ender. The argument really comes down to this claim – The rights to games played by Clemson after it leaves the ACC are not “necessary” to the ACC’s performance under the ESPN agreement because REDACTED. For now, we don't have any good way to evaluate the basis for the assertion. I suspect this comes down to some read of the comp clause and pro rata provisions.I like the motion a lot. However, I also realize that the entire contract claim basis is blacked out so we have no idea what the terms actually say. It does seem if it was so obvious we would not be here, but you never know.

I sure hope this goes forward, but it feels odd procedurally.

Hopefully, it's quieter than predicted. Remember, sheltering in place is not always the best advice when a storm is approaching.

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The following is an updated list of prospects that have set official dates with Florida State for this summer and/or fall. Also included are the dates that these prospects have set to visit other programs as well.

Of course, these dates are subject to change, and we will continue to update on a daily basis as we learn of any new prospects setting official visit dates or changing their official visit dates. (Note: Prospects can take one official visit to as many schools as they like, they can take a second official visit to a school if there is a head coaching change after they have taken their first official visit to that school).

ALPHA LIST:
(Sorted by Date below initial post)


Ziyare Addison-OL-Sumner HS: UCLA May 10, Florida May 31, Oregon June 7, Penn State June 14, FSU June 21

Tarvos Alford-LB-Vero Beach HS: Ohio State (Committed) May 31, FSU June 7, Miami June 21

Jadon Blair-S-Mount Tabor (NC) HS: Louisville April 17, Notre Dame June 7, Michigan June 14, FSU June 18, Penn State June 21

Trey Brown-WR-Orlando Jone HS: Ohio State May 31, Florida June 14, FSU June 21

Max Buchanan-OL-Sanford Seminole HS: Ole Miss April 26, UCF May 17 Clemson May 31, FSU June 7, Miami June 14, Penn State June 21

Rowan Byrne-New Rochelle (NY) Iona Prep HS: FSU June 14, Penn State June 21

Jarquez Carter-DT-Newberry HS: Florida May 31, Penn State June 7 UCF June 14, FSU in-season, date TBD

Myron Charles-DT-Port Charlotte: Florida May 31, USC June 7, Miami June 14, FSU June 21 or in-season

Nicolas Clayton-DE-Gainesville Buchholz: June 15

JJ Faulk-DE-Highland Home (Ala.) HS: FSU May 31, Florida June 7, Alabama June 21, Auburn (Committed) no date set yet

Dontrell Glover-OL-Langston Hughes (Ga.) HS: Georgia June 7, Tennessee June 14, FSU June 21

Zion Grady-DE-Enterprise (Ala.): Miami May 31, FSU June 7, Auburn June 10, Tennessee June 14, Ohio State June 21

Ben Hanks Jr.-CB Booker T Washington HS: Louisville May 31, Florida June 7, Georgia June 14, FSU June 18, Miami June 23

Michael Hastie-LB-Douglasville (Ga.) HS-FSU June 21

Lagonza Hayward-S-Toombs County (Ga.) HS: FSU May 31, USC June 7, Alabama June 14, Tennessee June 21, South Carolina TBD

Ty Haywood-OL-Denton (TX.) Ryan HS: TCU May 3, UCLA May 10, Alabama May 31, TAMU June 6, Oklahoma June 14, FSU June 21

Javion Hilson-DE- Cocoa HS: Florida May 31, Alabama June 7, UCF June 14, FSU June 21

Iverson Howard-RB-Quince Orchard (MD) HS: Michigan June 7, FSU June 14

Koby Howard-WR-Chaminade Madonna HS: Florida May 31, Penn State June 14, Ole Miss June 21, FSU October 4

Ty Jackson-LB-Seminole Ridge HS: Georgia June 7, FSU June 14, Tennessee June 21

Tramell Jones-QB-Mandarin HS: FSU (Committed) June 21

Peyton Joesph-OL-Houston County (Ga.) HS: LSU May 31, Memphis June 7, FSU June 21

Duke Johnson-LB-Dodge County (Ga.) HS: UCF May 31, Alabama June 7, FSU June 14

Ousmane Kromah-RB-Lee County (Ga.): Auburn May 17, Miami May 31, FSU June 7, Florida June 14, Georgia June 21

Kaliq Lockett-WR-Sachse (TX) HS: LSU May 14, USC June 7, FSU June 14, Texas June 21

Chase Loftin-TE-Millard South (Neb.) HS: FSU June 6/7, TAMU June 14, Nebraska June 21

Byron Louis-RB-American Heritage HS: Miami May 31, Wisconsin June 7, Ohio State June 14, FSU June 21

Daylan McCutcheon-WR-Lovejoy (TX) HS: Ohio State May 31, USC June 7, Texas June 14, FSU June 21

Joshua Moore-WR-West Broward HS: Florida May 31, FSU June 7, Miami June 14, Georgia June 21

Mario Nash Jr.-Kemper County (MS) HS: USC June 7, Miss. State June 21, FSU October 5

Nicolas Clayton-DE-Buccholz-FSU June 18

Gavin Nix-LB-IMG Academy: FSU June 21, Miami TBD

Josh Petty-OL-Fellowship Christian (Ga) HS: Georgia Tech 28, Clemson May 31, Auburn June 4, Oregon June 14, FSU June 21

Ethan Pritchard-LB-Sanford Seminole HS: FSU June 21

Zaydrius Rainey-Sale-LB-Bethel (Wash.) HS-UCLA May 17, ASU May 31, Washington June 7, FSU June 14

Max Redmond-S-Cardinal Newman-FSU June 7

London Simmons-June 17

Drake Stubbs-S-Mandarin HS-USC (Committed) May 31, FSU June 14, Miami June 21

Justus Terry-DT-Manchester (Ga.) HS: FSU June 14, USC (Committed) June 21

Greg Thomas-S-American Heritage: Clemson May 31, FSU June 21

Solomon Thomas-OL-Raines HS-LSU May 31, Florida June 7, FSU (Committed) June 21, Miami TBD

Tavion Wallace-LB-Wayne County (Ga.) HS-Arkansas May 31, Georgia June 7, FSU June 21,

CJ Wiley-WR-Milton (Ga.) HS-Auburn April 12, Alabama June 7, Georgia June 14, FSU June 21

Jett White-WR-Miami Edison HS: UNLV April 16, LSU June 7, Marshall June 14, FSU June 21, Maryland (Committed) will take his last official visit to UM at some point this summer/fall.

Jalen Wiggins-DE-Rickards HS: Stanford May 31, Florida (committed) June 7, FSU June 21

Kevin Wynn-DT-Greene County (Ga.) HS: Georgia May 31, South Carolina June 7, Texas June 14, FSU June 21

Jordan Young-S-Monroe (NC) HS: Clemson May 31, NC State June 19, FSU June 14, Tennessee June 21

Second visit for DT with family tie to FSU

FSU sports information:

The longest day in golf arrived at a fitting conclusion on Monday night for a pair of superstar Seminoles.

Rising junior All-American Luke Clanton and recently graduated senior Frederik Kjettrup, both high-level players of the Florida State Men’s Golf National Runner-Up squad, have each qualified for the upcoming U.S. Open held at the famous Pinehurst No. 2 course from June 13-16.

The pair are the first amateurs at Florida State to qualify for the major since John Pak was the Low Amateur at the 2020 U.S. Open.

Kjettrup and Clanton played at two of the 10 final qualifying sites on Monday, with Kjettrup competing at the Golf Club of Georgia in Alpharetta and Clanton tackling The Bear’s Club in Jupiter, Fla.

Among 68 players competing at his site, Kjettrup just made the U.S. Open qualifying cut by finishing third in what was a Top-3 cutline. He shot a pair of impressive 66 scores in his two rounds played to finish at 12-under. The native of Demark and FSU All-American used an important birdie on his 18th and final hole – a par 5 – to squeak past the rest of the field that didn’t make the cut.

Clanton was tasked with trying to make the Top 5 of his 73-player field at The Bear’s Club, and managed to just get in after finishing fourth at 5-under (70-69). He finished two strokes ahead of three players competing for the coveted fifth-place position, getting an important birdie of his own on hole No. 18 to provide some needed cushion.

The Hialeah, Fla., native enjoyed a banner year as a sophomore in 2023-24, being named a PING First-Team All-American.

In Clanton’s field, fellow Seminole Daniel Berger tied for second at 6-under to also qualify for the 2024 U.S. Open.

Brooks Koepka, a two-time winner of the U.S. Open in 2017 and 2018, will also be part of the Major field in two weeks.

The FSU pitching staff, inconsistent at times this season, pieced together an impressive weekend in the Tallahassee Regional. With a 2.33 ERA, 35 strikeouts to 8 walks and clutch escapes galore, the FSU staff may be rounding into form at the right time. That would make FSU a lethal team as the postseason continues.

Behind a nine-run fifth inning, FSU baseball blew past UCF for a 12-4 win, advancing to Super Regionals for the first time since 2019. The Noles will host either UConn or Oklahoma next weekend with a spot in the College World Series on the line.

On Monday's edition of the Osceola's Seminole Sidelines, host Nick Carlisle along with senior writer Curt Weiler and editor Bob Ferrante recap the Florida State Seminoles' 3-0 weekend in the Tallahassee Regional as they advance to the Super Regional stage in the NCAA tournament.

Thanks to Seminole Sidelines' sponsors: Alumni Hall, Seminoles2Ireland.com and Dan Mowrey's law firm, Mowrey Law.

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FSU sports information:

One of the best hitters in Florida State softball history is moving on to the professional leagues as Kalei Harding signed with Athletes Unlimited for their AUX season in Wichita, Kansas, from June 10 to June 25. Harding will join former Seminole Jessi Warren in the AUX league. Warren was named one of three captains for the league.

Harding ended her career all over the record book as she became one of the top hitters in program history in her four years in garnet and gold. Harding ended her career second all-time in career doubles (57), third in career home runs (46), fourth in career RBI (208) and eighth in slugging percentage. Harding hit .310 over the course of her career and hit over .300 in her final three season with the Seminoles.

This season, Harding recorded 65 RBI which is the sixth-most in school history to go along with 15 home runs which was also a top 10 mark in school history. Harding is one of just four players in school history to hit 15 or more home runs and drive in 65 or more runs.

The AUX season will consist of three series with every game being televised on ESPN2, ESPNU or ESPNEWS. The full AUX schedule can be found at https://auprosports.com/aux-softball/schedule/2024/.

Good story on a new 2026 five-star OL. He picked up an FSU offer on May 21:

Immanuel Iheanacho now has more stars next to his name than years he’s been playing football. The new five-star in the 2026 class has only played two seasons of football so far but he’s already one of the most coveted prospects in the country.

“I feel like (the five-star rating) is a testament to my hard work that I've been putting in these last couple of months," he said. "This football thing being so new to me, (I’m) just (making) sure I keep my head level, head straight and just keep working. I’m not letting the rankings get to me. I appreciate it but I know this is just the first step.”

Another Jamie Arnold gem and a hot start from the FSU offense paved the way to a 5-2 win over UCF Saturday night. The Noles are through to the Tallahassee Regional Championship Sunday at 6 p.m.

Midnight was the deadline for any prospect to withdraw from the NBA Draft. Jamir Watkins has done so and is one of the top options in the transfer portal. While he could return to FSU it's a long shot. His NIL value on the open market is well north of $1 million, a source told me yesterday.

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Two shootings, one dead over the long weekend. A group of us used to go every Memorial day weekend back in the 80s and it was so chill. Now it's a shitshow.

I was talking to a cop who was out there and he said people we walking around at 5 a.m. openly drinking out of liquor bottles. Said there was an estimated 30,000 people there. At least 4 DJs were set up blaring "music" at all hours.

Sad. It's privately owned so eventually they'll get sued to normalcy.