FSU 2025 RB target Byron Louis announced on ESPN tonight that he will announce his commitment on September 21st. The final four are Miami, UGA, Wisconsin and FSU.

He has looked really good tonight vs. Milton which has a ton of FBS kids on defesne.

FSU commit Zae Thomas, RB target Byron Louis among the Noles prospects in the American Heritage (Fla.) vs Milton (Ga.) HS game on ESPN Friday at 7pm.

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Thomas is locked in with FSU after committing to the Seminoles earlier this summer.

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Louis is still uncommitted, and it seems to be a battle between FSU, Miami and UGA.

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FSU offered Bennett over a year ago.

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Haviland was offered by FSU earlier this month after his performance in the Noles Elite Camp in July.

FSU sports information:

Florida State Director of Track and Field/ Cross Country Matt Kane announced on Friday four additions to his coaching staff for the 2024-25 season.

Kane named Timothy Cawley an assistant coach for jumps and multi events. Luke Bryant will be the assistant coach for the throws group. Tony Davis will serve as an assistant coach for hurdles and women’s sprints, while Ian Frazier will oversee the men’s distance and operations.

“I’m very excited to announce our new staff,” said Kane. “Each member brings experience in coaching, recruiting and shares a genuine passion for the sport of track and field. Two members of the previous staff will continue to help us be successful, Rick Argro and Cody Halsey. I’m truly excited to see their progress this upcoming season.”

“Rick has done a great job as a mentor to the men’s sprinters over the past nine years. I feel that his connection to the program and as an alumni will be vital to helping our Seminoles understand the expectations of the program. Cody has done a great job in her first year under the helm of our women’s distance group. She did a great job developing the athletes last season, coaching several personal best marks and has recruited some great young women for this upcoming season. “

Timothy Cawley
Assistant Multi-Events/Jumps Coach

Cawley, who brings to FSU 25 years of coaching experience, will oversee the jumps and multi-events, joining the Seminoles after spending the last ten seasons as the Director of Track and Field and Cross Country at Idaho State University. In his career he has coached 79 conference champions, 63 school record holders, 44 NCAA Championships qualifiers, 24 USATF Championship qualifiers 11 All-Americans, an Olympic Bronze medalist and a World Championships silver medalist.

In addition to his collegiate experience, Cawley has vast experience on the international and professional realm, including coaching Janay DeLoach to a bronze medal at the 2012 Olympic Games in London. DeLoach has accumulated nine top-three USA championship finishes in the long jump, hurdles and multi-events. Under the guidance of Cawley, Deloach has held several top 10 world rankings in her career, including a World Championships silver medal and Olympic bronze medal.

Cawley has served on numerous Team USA coaching staff, working closely with the top athletes in the world at all levels, serving as the jumps coach for Team USA at the 2014 U-20 World Junior Outdoor Championships, 2017 IAAF World Outdoor Championships, 2018 NACAC Championships, and 2019 Pan-American Games. He served as the Team USA head coach for the 2016 IAAF World Indoor Championships.

At Idaho, Cawley oversaw 59 NCAA Championships qualifiers, 32 conference champion performers, 18 school record holders, and 5 Division I All-Americans. Prior to Idaho, Cawley spent 11 seasons at Colorado State University where he spent time coaching jumps, multis, pole vault, sprints, hurdles and relays. While at CSU, Cawley coached nine All-American performers, 23 NCAA Championships qualifiers, 17 individual conference champions and 33 school record holders.

Before his stint at Colorado State, Cawley was an assistant at Wisconsin-Milwaukee overseeing sprints, hurdles, jumps, pole vault, javelin, and hammer throwers. In two seasons, Cawley coached 43 individual conference champions and his athletes produced 21 school records. Cawley began his coaching career as a volunteer coach at Colorado School of Mines in 1991 where he spent 11 seasons responsible for the multi-events, horizontal jumps and pole vault. Cawley coached 23 NCAA Championships qualifiers and produced 17 individual conference championships. He was a graduate assistant from 1999-2000 at West Virigina, before being hired at Wisconsin-Milwaukee. During his stint at Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Cawley oversaw the sprints, hurdles and multis group. He coached 43 individual conference champions and 21 school record holders.

Cawley earned his degree in art education from the University of Wyoming, where he competed in jumps and was on the 4x100-meter relay team. He earned All-American honors in 1998 in the long jump and competed in the triple jump at the NCAA Championships. In 2008, he finished in the top ten at the USA Indoor Championships in the triple jump.

Luke Bryant
Assistant Throws Coach

Bryant will oversee the Florida State throws group, returning to the intercollegiate coaching ranks after spending the last two years as an administrator at the University of Texas.

"I have known Luke since he was an athlete at Oklahoma,” said Kane. “He always impressed me with his championship mentality and approach to training. I think he is a tremendous asset to our team and can’t wait to see how he develops our throwers.”

Prior to Texas, Bryant worked at Texas State from 2016-22, where he spent time as an Associate Athletic Director for major gifts and an Assistant track and field coach. During Bryant’s time leading the Bobcats’ throws group, he coached three Sun Belt Conference Field Athletes of the Year. Bryant produced nine individual conference champions and set four school record holders.

Alongside coach Jon Frazier, Bryant led the former Texas State standout to become one of the most historic throwers in NCAA history. Wilson competed at the 2022 NCAA Championship, taking home bronze with a mark of 74.68 meters (254’4”). Her performance set a new American Collegiate record and ranked seventh in world during the 2022 campaign. In addition to Wilson’s success, the Texas State women’s shot put group were ranked 13th in the NCAA for event squad rankings.

In 2021, Bryant led Brandon Busby and Dias Redmond II to a first and second place finish in the shot put at the 2021 Sun Belt Indoor Conference Championships. Busby and Redmond’s performances marked the first time in Texas State school history and the first time since 2007 that a Sun Belt school placed first and second in the shot put at a championship meet. Busby was also named the Sun Belt Conference Field Athlete of the Year and Sun Belt Conference Co-Most Outstanding Performer for his efforts.

Bryant continued to lead Busby to a successful career after becoming the first athlete in Sun Belet history to win a conference championship in the discus, weight throw and the indoor shot put. During the outdoor season, Busby improved over 12 meters in the hammer from the previous season and broke the Texas State school record with a toss of 64.86 meters (212’9”). During the 2022 season, Bryant’s throwers repeated their championship success with Will Blaser capturing the Sun Belt Conference title in the shot put. Blaser finished the season with a best of 18.08 meters (59’4”), which ranked top five all-time in school history.

Bryant secured one of strongest recruiting classes in the NCAA, signing the number one hammer thrower and number four shot putter in the NCAA for class of 2022. Byrant was a standout student-athlete at Oklahoma, becoming a four-time All-Big 12 performer, a three time Academic All-Big 12 selection. He finished third at the 2012 NCAA Outdoor Track and Field championships after winning the discus championship.

Byrant went to Oklahoma after winning a gold medal at the 2007 Junior Pan Am Games and a 2007 national championship in the discus at the 2007 Nike Outdoor National Championships. Bryant was on USA Today’s All-USA Track and Field Team and a Track and Field News All-American. Upon graduating from Oklahoma, Bryant competed post collegiately in the discus and was ranked top 10 in the United State for three consecutive years before finishing his throwing career at the 2016 Olympic Trials. Bryant won gold at the 2007 Junior Pan American Games and was crown a high school national champion after winning the discus at the 2007 Nike Outdoor National Championships.

Bryant earned a bachelor’s degree in communication in 2012 and his master’s degree in intercollegiate athletic administration in 2015 at Oklahoma. The Clearwater, Kan., native is married to the former Jessica Stone, who competed as a tennis student-athlete at Saginaw Valley State University.

Tony Davis
Assistant Coach/Hurdles and Women’s Sprints

Davis joins the Seminoles overseeing the women’s sprints and hurdles, after spending the last eight season at New Mexico State.

“I’m incredibly proud to add Tony to the staff,” said Kane. “He is a former athlete of mine at Barton Community College and was a part of some great teams there. He has done an excellent job making a name for himself in coaching, winning national championships and developing young athletes. I know he brings a lot of passion and energy to the program.”

This past season, Davis led Jhana Davis to a remarkable year in the 200-meters, placing 13th at the NCAA West Regional Preliminary with a time of 22.93. Downie concluded her year competing at the JAAA Olympic Trials. Under the guidance of Davis, Aliyah Logan achieved a season best in the 100 hurdles with a time of 13.06 in the Texas Relays. Logan also ran a wind-aided time of 12.98 at the C-USA Championships. She placed fourth at the Olympic Trials.

Davis helped Terice Steen capture the 400 hurdle title, clocking a time of 57.90 at the C-USA Championships and contributed to breaking school records in the 4x100 and 4x400 relay. She also contributed to New Mexico’s State first Outdoor Western Athletic Conference title. Steen also competed at the Jamaican National Championship, placing sixth at 57.64.

In 2023, Davis sent seven athletes to the NCAA West Regional Preliminary round. Davis led Downie to a successful campaign after capturing four conference titles, winning both the indoor and outdoor titles in the 200 and 400. Logan and Valissa Brown qualified for regionals in the 100 hurdles with times of 13.08 and 13.31.

Davis was a part of the New Mexico State’s first ever conference Indoor title, with Keosha Sanders and Lashira Tremble clocking impressive times in the 60-meter dash at 7.36 and 7.38.

Video from Curt:

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Four-star 2025 safety prospect, as expected, committed to Tennessee over Florida State on Friday afternoon.

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Florida State really needs to land the commitment of DB prospect Ladarian Clardy. They have a month to try and overcome the lead Ole Miss has on them right now.

Months of planning paid off to make FSU's tough travel over to Dublin painless for all involved. That translated into good practices Thursday and Friday. Now Mike Norvell is hopeful that carries over into tomorrow's season opener vs. Georgia Tech.

Good morning (or maidin mhaith as they say here in Dublin) from Aviva Stadium. Florida State is wrapping up its final practice before Saturday's 5 p.m. (noon EST) season opener vs. Georgia Tech here in Dublin (ESPN). Upon its conclusion, head coach Mike Norvell will address the media for the final time before kicking the 2024 college football season off in style.

I'll have some updates here once things get underway.

There are several prospects who FSU has offered who will be playing in the Grayson HS vs Thompson HS game tonight on ESPN2 at 8pm:

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FSU was trending with Atkinson early in his recruitment and he has been on campus several times over the last couple of years including this past January.

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Surprisingly Davis doesn't have an FSU offer yet despite a Rivals100 prospect. Probably only a matter of time. He was outstanding at the Rivals camp in ATL this past April.

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Smith took an official visit to FSU this summer but committed to Auburn earlier this month.


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Seaborn camped with FSU this summer and was offered while on his unofficial visit.

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Pritchett was offered by FSU in March and was on-campus for FSU's Elite Camp in July.

bump?

FSU sports information:

The No. 1 Florida State soccer team (2-0-0) continues its four-game homestand on Thursday evening against Rice (2-0-0). The Seminoles currently hold an unbeaten streak of 34 games against non-conference opponents dating back to 2019.

FSU will play Rice for the first time since 2022. The two sides had their inaugural meeting back in Houston in 2022. Florida State defeated Rice 5-0 with Maria Alagoa and Beata Olsson each recording multi-goal games.

The Seminoles broke another school record in Sunday’s home victory over North Florida, achieving a 25-game unbeaten streak for the first time in program history while extending its longest winning streak to 17 games. FSU also holds a 36-game scoring streak dating back to 2022, the longest in program history. The Seminoles have continued to be formidable at the Seminole Soccer Complex with 17 straight victories including eight NCAA Tournament wins. FSU has conceded just one goal since last season’s ACC Championship victory with seven shutouts.

The reigning national champions achieved a historic home opening victory against North Florida. FSU scored 10 goals, the most scored since 2009. Taylor Huff recorded her first-ever hat trick inside 75 minutes to become the first player to record a hat trick since Lauren Flynn over NC State, marking the first time the Seminoles achieved back-to-back hat tricks in regular season home games.

Ashlyn Puerta, Lara Dantas, and Solai Washington each scored their first collegiate goals while Camille Ashe recorded two goals for her first career brace. Mimi Van Zanten scored in her second straight game while Olivia Lebdaoui scored her first goal since 2022 after missing the 2023 season due to injury.

Huff began her 2024 campaign in dominant fashion, recording a hat trick of assists at South Florida before scoring a hat trick of goals against North Florida. For a second straight season she earned the first ACC Offensive Player of the Week award and was named to TopDrawerScoccer’s Women’s Team of the Week. Ashe received a TopDrawerSoccer’s WTOTW honorable mention for her two goal performance over North Florida and for her part in the two shutouts.

Gates will open at 6 p.m. and the first 100 fans will receive a free FSU Soccer foam finger upon entry. The 7 p.m. game will be broadcast on ACC Network and will be the first nationally televised game of the 2024 season.

Says field conditions may be a factor. Sounds like field may be wet due to rain and cold temps.
Being that this is a soccer field. Does that affect us more than them as far as using out speed?

In 2023, Georgia Tech allowed the most yards per rush of any Power Five team.

While that would seem to be an area FSU's run game could be able to exploit Saturday, Mike Norvell is confident that new GT defensive coordinator Tyler Santucci -- whose Duke defense largely did well vs. FSU last year -- will improve that unit in 2024.

Florida State held its final practice in Tallahassee on Wednesday before flying to Ireland later in the evening. The practice began two hours later than usual (11 a.m.) and it was noticeably warmer.

We saw a good number of 11-on-11 periods, including the first-team offense vs. scout team and first-team defense vs. scout. There was also some first-team offense vs. first-team defense.

The practice felt erratic, especially in the passing game, after some recent practices that were more crisp. It felt like a team ready to jump on a plane and wasn’t as focused. There were more drops on Wednesday compared to some prior open practices, for example.

Mike Norvell said there was a focus on different looks and “preparing for all things and what you might see” from Georgia Tech. He feels good about the game prep over the last 10 days or so.

Norvell continued to praise the receivers, especially through the context of battles with FSU’s talented defensive backs. He feels the timing and rhythm is building in the passing game over the last few weeks. While that wasn’t quite the case in our view today, the last couple weeks of open practices have shown improvement in the chemistry of the passing game.

Among the first receivers Norvell mentioned is a practice star, Darion Williamson, who had a nice downfield grab. Norvell also discussed Kentron Poitier and Ja’Khi Douglas. Norvell said he felt Malik Benson has been very consistent throughout camp, which we have also seen.

While there are still some drops from Jalen Brown, moments where the focus isn’t dialed in just yet despite the ball being on the money, Norvell said the redshirt freshman “has a chance to be an impact player.” There’s a reason why he’s atop the depth chart for one of FSU’s three receiving spots.

DJ Uiagalelei was hit-and-miss on Wednesday. His hits are quite good, though, including in 11-on-11 when he lofted a pass that dropped in the bucket and was caught by Douglas in tight coverage. His misses are at times a result of indecisiveness as he goes through progressions and some inconsistencies with his footwork that prompt a pass to go too high or off target.

Brock Glenn was also inconsistent on the day, missing some shorter and intermediate passes. He hit Lawayne McCoy late in practice on a deep throw as well as showed good touch to Landen Thomas on a short pass along the sideline.

Uiagalelei spoke after practice about absorbing the enormity of the playbook and then seeing it filtered down to what was specific to this week’s game plan vs. GT. Look for more from him later today.

We’ve followed the pursuit of tight end depth throughout camp and mentioned a variety of names. In particular to Wednesday, Jackson West had a good, contested grab down the sideline. We also saw some nice catches by Brian Courtney and Thomas.

Azareye’h Thomas had a diving interception off a high pass that was tipped off an intended receiver, which sums up the competitiveness we’ve seen from him in camp. Ricky Knight also had an interception.

Edwin Joseph also had a pass break-up in 11-on-11.

FSU will hold a practice (closed) on Thursday in Dublin. Curt Weiler will cover Friday’s practice in Dublin.

Thursday 7 pm The Cobblestone, Smithfield​

The Cobblestone pub is a labour of love when it comes to music. Tom Mulligan and his family have been playing trad for five generations, maybe even longer, and it thrives on a spirit of musicians teaching musicians. New talent and old masters alike can be found perfecting their craft in every corner of this charming pub.

Friday, Osceola Luncheon (sold out) Oscars Smithfield 1-3 prior to FSU official pep rally on Smithfield Square, starting at 3:15 with arrival of Marching Chiefs. See you there.

Friday, 7pm Osceola gathering at Temple Bar Inn, prior to the weekly FSU Radio Show Inside Seminole Football with Jeff Culhane at 8 pm

DJU and the offense have put together much better days in the lead up to Ireland.

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What time does the team leave today for Dublin?

section 129, row Z

It is on the Ga Tech side but would be sitting with 8 other Seminoles.

DM if interested

Florida State’s contract for the Aer Lingus College Football Classic varies from that of a neutral site game or bowl game, but a considerable amount of the Seminoles’ travel, hotel and food expenses for the season opener will be covered.

FSU and Georgia Tech kick off their 2024 seasons at Aviva Stadium in Dublin, Ireland, on Saturday in a game that has been highly anticipated since it was announced in March 2023. Support staff have been working to secure passports and plan ahead for the Seminoles’ travel to Ireland, with the team’s charter flight departing on Wednesday. Georgia Tech also flies out Wednesday.

I interviewed David Hale, who covers the ACC extensively for ESPN, late last week. That show will debut on our Osceola YouTube, Facebook and my Twitter account at 6 p.m. Monday night.

It's an enlightening conversation about his unique position covering the snub, why he's high on FSU this season, his reasons for concern and where he sees FSU stacking up in what could be a closely-contested ACC.

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