Whitfield receives national award
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LORETTO, Pa. -- Saint Francis University quarterback Nick Whitfield Jr. was named the Northeast Conference Offensive Player and Rookie of the Week, the conference announced Monday. He also added a Prime Performer selection.
Whitfield Jr., a 2022 Fredonia High School graduate, went 10-of-18 for 164 passing yards, two passing touchdowns and added a two-yard touchdown reception in a 28-21 comeback victory over Merrimack. Saint Francis erased a 15-point deficit in the fourth quarter to mount its largest comeback since 2012.
Whitfield Jr. caught his touchdown on fourth down that set up Deondre Scott's game-tying two-point conversion. He then connected with Jayden Ivory on a 71-yard touchdown pass that turned into the game-winner.
The redshirt freshman was also named FedEx Ground FCS National Freshman of the Week by Stats Perform on Monday. Whitfield Jr. and Cole Doyle are the only two players on the 2023 roster with a national weekly honor in their respective careers.
With his NEC Offensive Player of the Week selection, Whitfield Jr. joins Doyle as the two players with the honor this season. He joined Mekhi Workman as the only players with an NEC Rookie of the Week selection for the Red Flash this season.
The Red Flash take the field next at home at noon Saturday against LIU for Senior Day.
Prior to arriving at St. Francis, Whitfield Jr. played for Fredonia under head coach Greg Sherlock where he was a team captain. In his career, he recorded 3,490 passing yards, 30 passing touchdowns, 1,266 rushing yards and 23 rushing touchdowns. As a senior, Whitfield Jr. registered 1,797 passing yards, 16 passing touchdowns, 720 rushing yards and 13 rushing touchdowns.