Florida State Places Walk-On Special Teams Starter on Scholarship

Florida State is filling out its roster ahead of the 2023 season after adding 2021 signee Destyn Hill, Michigan State transfer Keon Coleman, and JUCO safety Ashlynd Barker over the last couple of weeks.

Following a surplus of available scholarships after nine players departed from the program during the spring, the Seminoles are honoring at least one member of the team.

On Tuesday afternoon, redshirt senior long-snapper James Rosenberry Jr. announced on social media that he was being elevated on scholarship ahead of his final season at the college level. Rosenberry joined the Seminoles in 2021 as a graduate transfer after beginning his career at Maryland.

"Just got put on full scholarship! Very excited and thanks to [Mike Norvell] and [John Papuchis]! Time to finish strong in my last season. Go Noles!"

Just got put on full scholarship! Very excited and thanks to @Coach_Norvell and @FSUCoachJP! Time to finish strong in my last season. Go Noles! @FSUFootball pic.twitter.com/qYH2wEvkUv
— James Rosenberry Jr (@JRosenberry51) May 30, 2023

The Ohio native was a two-year starter for the Terrapins while being named to the Academic All-Big Ten team. Rosenberry crossed paths with FSU's special team's coordinator and defensive ends coach, John Papuchis, at Maryland in 2019. That relationship was important in eventually getting him to Tallahassee.

Rosenberry has served as Florida State's primary long snapper over the past two seasons. Kicker Ryan Fitzgerald finished 7/8 on field goal attempts and 25/26 on PATs with Rosenberry as his snapper. He recorded one tackle in the team's 45-38 victory against Florida on Black Friday this past season. He also earned All-AC Academic honors following both campaigns.

Florida State has previously elevated deserving walk-ons such as running back Treshaun Ward and kicker Parker Grothaus since Mike Norvell joined the program as head coach.

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