Florida State S Rolle named Rhodes Scholar

Nov 23, 2008 - 2:11 AM COLLEGE PARK, Maryland (Ticker) -- Florida State junior safety Myron Rolle was named a Rhodes Scholar on Saturday, becoming one of the highest-profile student athletes to receive the honor.

Rolle, who needed just 2 1/2 years to earn his bachelor's degree and has a 3.75 GPA, was one of 13 people interviewed in Birmingham, Alabama on Saturday afternoon.

The 22-year-old Rolle became the first prominent college football player in 25 years to receive the honor.

"I feel very fortunate to have been selected as a Rhodes Scholar," Rolle said. "I've learned so much just by going through the process of application and interviews, and I am a better person for it.

"The interview process requires candidates to evaluate their long-term goals and plans, and it has made me think about how I can make the most impact in terms of service to society."

The scholarships, which are given to 32 students, provide all expenses for up to two or three years of study at the University of Oxford in England.

An NFL prospect who is second on the Seminoles with 48 tackles, Rolle arrived to Saturday's game against Maryland in the second quarter and entered the contest late in the first half.

"Florida State University's most treasured values of strength, skill and character live in Myron Rolle," Florida State President T.K. Wetherell said. "He is a remarkable young man and a tremendous example for all of our students. The entire Florida State community joins me in congratulating him on this wonderful accomplishment."

A native of Galloway, New Jersey, Rolle was considered one of the best recruits in the nation coming out of high school. He has 192 tackles in three seasons.

Rolle has NFL dreams but also has medical aspirations. He completed all the necessary pre-medical requirements and earned a bachelor's degree in exercise science from Florida State in August. He is currently pursuing a master's degree in public administration.

"The whole experience has been inspiring, and I appreciate the assistance of so many faculty and staff at Florida State as well as the encouragement and support of my football coaches," Rolle said.