LORETTO, Pa. – Saint Francis University football 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. 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.
 
He 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, he 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 on Saturday, Nov. 4 at 12 p.m. against LIU for Senior Day.