He’s referred to as “Squirrel,” and he’s proud of it.

Meet Sammie Rogers IV, a senior safety for Jacksonville’s football team who has embraced his nickname and how it was given to him even before he was born.

“My brother actually named me when we were in the hospital because he said I moved around in my mom’s stomach like a squirrel,” Rogers IV said. “So that’s why they call me Squirrel. It’s the name everybody knows me as.”

Rogers IV doesn’t shy away from his alias, adding he’s never grown weary of his handle. He knows the nickname has become part of his identity, both on and off the field. Still, Rogers IV can’t help but chuckle when asked if hearing his parents call him by his real name usually means he’s in trouble.

But while the 17-year-old Rogers IV continues to live up to being Squirrel with his athletic prowess on the gridiron, there is more to him than just his moniker.

He also takes pride in being the fourth Sammie Rogers in his family, referring to the shared name as the family’s “business name.”

Rogers IV follows his father, Sammie Rogers III, an Onslow County environmental officer who has helped coach football and basketball at Jacksonville High for 20 years.

Squirrel is also a grandson of the late Sammie Rogers, Jr., who died at 77 in May. Rogers, Jr., was the first Black quarterback at Jacksonville High School, a piece of history Rogers IV said means a lot to his family.

“I know when he first started, he had to go through a lot to get to where he was,” Rogers IV said. “We all have our problems, and we have to meet them. So, it reminds me that I need to keep going.”

Rogers IV added that while being named after his father and grandfather is special, he does not feel the weight on his shoulders of living up to the family legacy on the field.

However, Rogers III said it’s important that Squirrel represents the family, which also includes children, Zacari, 21, and Kenzi, 19, with his actions away from football.

“My dad always told them about how they needed to carry themselves, and he always told me and my brother that when we step outside the house, we are representing the last name,” Rogers III said. “My dad coached a lot of kids around here and they always talked about how they loved him because he treated them like a son. I’m glad to see that he (Squirrel) also carries himself in a very respectful way and how everybody enjoys being around him.”

Jacksonville coach Beau Williams is one of the people who likes Squirrel being a Jacksonville Cardinal.

“He’s a joy to be around because he’s a good kid from a good family and he comes across as mature,” he said. “He does everything the right way. He works hard, he committed to everything he does, he’s got good instincts and he’s physical.”

Those attributes have opened the door for Rogers IV to receive scholarship offers from collegiate programs. The 6-foot-1, 199-pound defensive back with a 4.2 grade point average has received offers from Penn, Dartmouth, Albany State and North Carolina A&T, his father’s alma mater.

Squirrel has also had conversations with East Carolina coaches.

“It’s definitely exciting, but I try to be humble about it,” Rogers IV said.

Squirrel’s father wants him to simply let his play on the field do the talking. And Rogers IV has certainly handled his business since joining varsity as a freshman in the 2023 playoffs.

Last season was his breakout year as he was named third-team all-area with 60 tackles, four interceptions and 10 defended passes.

“I think I am able to recognize stuff quicker from being on varsity for so long,” Rogers IV said. “Everything is slower now.”

Squirrel hopes those traits come in handy in what he hopes in a special senior season. Jacksonville kicks off the regular season Aug. 21 at West Carteret and opens defense of its Big Carolina 6-A/7-A Conference title at home against New Bern on Oct. 2.

“I told him to go out and play his game,” Rogers III said. “I expect him to keep doing what he has been doing. I am very proud of him for how he and the rest of them have carried themselves.”

Chris Miller can be contacted via email at cmiller@jdnews.com. Follow him on X @jdnsports.