FSU Seminoles Player Focus: Myron Rolle

If you wanted an example of a student/athlete, there would be no better example than Myron Rolle. The freshmen defensive back who wants to go to medical school has already started for FSU due to the injury of safety Anthony Houllis. He is currently tied for fifth on the team with 17 tackles.

"It does feel good to be a starter," said Rolle, who was rated the No. 1 high school player in the nation by ESPN.com last season. "But I envisioned myself in this position. I saw myself in this position since Dec. 1, 2005, when I committed to Florida State. So now it's become a reality, and I'm very happy about that."

Coming out of high school, Rolle was considered among the top 10 recruits in the nation by nearly every major recruiting service, and the gem among defensive backs. Recruiters raved about his athleticism and his knack for always being around the ball making plays.

Rolle arrived on campus in the spring and immediately made his presence felt during spring practice. He returned an interception for a touchdown in the annual Garnet and Gold Game, raising expectations even more for his freshman season.

"The games are easy," Rolle said. "Practice with Coach Andrews is the hardest thing I've ever done in my life. You are physically conditioned and mentally conditioned to withstand whatever the atmosphere presents.

Resume:
Named the ACC's preseason defensive newcomer of the year by The Sporting News...listed as the conference's No. 1 impact newcomer by Athlon Sports...the No. 1 ranked player nationally on ESPN's 150 for 2006 after a senior season where he totaled 112 tackles including 14 tackles for loss...listed as the No. 1 athlete in the nation and No. 1 prospect in the state of New Jersey according to Rivals.com...rated as a five-star player and 11th overall prospect in the nation by Rivals.com... rated as the seventh overall recruit in the nation and No. 1 defensive back by Scout.com...recently named to the 2006 EA Sports All-American first-team defense...a Parade All-American and one of 16 finalists for the 2006 Parade All-America High School Football Player of the Year Award...received three out of a possible three stars from PrepStar Magazine and was named the No. 3 overall prospect on the magazine's Top 100 Dream Team...named the New Jersey Prep Defensive Player of the Year by the Newark Star Ledger as a junior after registering 83 tackles (19 for loss), six sacks, and four interceptions...represented the East team in the U.S. Army All-American Bowl...named the National Defensive Player of the Year by the Touchdown Club of Columbus, Ohio...a versatile athlete, he lined up at safety, cornerback, wide receiver and running back during his high school career...chose Florida State over Florida, Oklahoma, Michigan, Penn State, Miami and Texas.