The Daily Nole — Aug. 26, 2017: Matthew Thomas Appears at Kickoff Luncheon

It’s the weekend, Florida State fans. As you get set to enjoy a big day with your family or friends, keep it here for the latest in FSU athletics. The news and notes section of this post will be updated throughout the day.

Lead Story

After battling the flu and what head coach Jimbo Fisher described as “other issues”, redshirt senior linebacker Matthew Thomas made an appearance at the Donald L. Tucker Center on Friday for the annual Kickoff Luncheon, according to reports.

Thomas has been the subject of rampant speculation after missing practices for about three weeks. Throughout the course of his career, injuries, suspensions and trouble in the classroom has kept Thomas off the field. While Thomas was at the Luncheon, the Orlando Sentinel’s Safid Deen noted that he was not seen walking into practice on Friday — one closed to the media.

Thomas led the Seminoles with 77 total tackles last season, including a career-high 15 in FSU’s 33-32 Orange Bowl win over Michigan. Suspended wide receiver Da’Vante Phillips was not present at Friday’s luncheon, according to reports.

Between the Lines

FSU volleyball defeated Baylor in the season-opener on Friday night, 25-20, 12-25, 25-21, 25-22.

On the Agenda

FSU volleyball will remain in Waco on Saturday to take on Illinois State at 12:30 p.m. EST and UC-Santa Barbara at 5:30 p.m. EST.

News and Notes

FSU men’s golf will begin ranked 20th in the Golfweek Coaches Poll.

FSU women’s hoop coach Sue Semrau will be with USA Basketball for a third time.

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The Daily Nole — Aug. 25, 2017: Seven FSU Players on Senior Bowl Watch List

Mike Ferguson is the editor of The Daily Nole. Follow Mike on Twitter @MikeWFerguson