Freshman running back Jordan Fredericks of the Syracuse University football team was named the ECAC (Eastern College Athletic Conference) Rookie of the Week for his performance in the 2015 season opener against Rhode Island. The ECAC is a loosely-based confederation of 88 eastern schools, which includes longtime Big East and now ACC rivals Boston College, Pittsburgh, and Syracuse.
In his collegiate debut, Fredericks ran the ball 14 times for 103 yards and one touchdown. In the process, he became the first Syracuse true freshman to rush for at least 100 yards in a season opener in program history. In addition, Fredericks and fellow freshman running back Dontae Strickland were the first SU true freshmen to run for a touchdown in a season opener since 2002.
The Inwood, N.Y. native got off to a great start on Friday night against the Rams. His first career carry went for 31 yards in the first quarter. In the third quarter, Fredericks bowled over a couple defenders for a 13-yard score.
Through one game, Fredericks ranks fifth in the ACC and 34th nationally in rushing yards per carry (7.36). In addition, he ranks seventh in the conference and 47th in the country in rushing yards (103).
Karl Joseph of West Virginia was named the ECAC Defensive Player of the Week, while Temple’s Jahad Thomas and Alex Starzyk took home Offensive and Special Teams Player of the Week accolades, respectively.