A native of Galloway, N.J., [Myron] Rolle arrived at Florida State from the Hun School in Princeton as the country’s No. 1 football recruit. He has had an all-American-caliber junior season, but Rolle’s list of off-field accomplishments is as lengthy as it is daunting.
He graduated from Florida State in two and a half years with a degree in pre-med and a grade point average of 3.75. He is so studious that the Seminoles’ defensive coordinator, Mickey Andrews, publicly criticized him for studying too much last year, saying it affected Rolle’s preparation for football. Rolle said the criticism was a “little unfair.”
“I gave him the benefit of the doubt,” Rolle said of Andrews. “I don’t think he’s ever sat through an organic chemistry lecture and seen just how difficult it is. He’s been through a couple ballgames, but that’s a different arena right there.”
Outside of class, Rolle was awarded a $4,000 grant for cancer research over the summer, and also started a program to help educate Seminole Indian children in Okeechobee, Fla., about the importance of health and physical fitness. He belongs to a fraternity, helps tutor his teammates, has studied in London and has written for The New York Times.
As he has been deluged by interview requests this week ”” including three reporters traveling with him on the plane to College Park ”” Rolle said he welcomed carrying the brand of the university.
“I have no problem holding the weight of that on my shoulders,” he said. “I think it’s more of a privilege and an honor than a burden.”
In a time with so many discouraging stories, this young man stands out as one among many beacons of hope for the future of America as a country.
I saw this last weekend on College Football Gameday (ESPN). Truly remarkable. I am so glad that he won the scholarship.
I am an FSU grad and I say good for him. I do hope he is doing better in organic than I did. I still marvel at my accomplishments. I never thought a grade average could drop so quickly!
A student who studies too much! What is the country coming to?
What a great story about a fine young man who has decide to use his skills and God-given talents in a powerful and meaningful life. The Rolle name and family is a common one in the Bahamas, and I know from first hand experience that many youg Bahamians come here to study and learn. He is already a great gift to his native Bahamas, because his story will be told in every small village and town as well as the big city of Nassau. He will provide the hope for the next bright young person to come from that small, warm, beautiful country and accomplish their dreams. Thanks for pointing it out, Kendall!