After displaying the poise of an upperclassman despite it being his first collegiate game at quarterback, freshman Christian Carter of the Merrimack College football program has earned the first Fuddruckers Male Athlete of the Week award of the 2018-19 academic year. 

Also claiming NE10 Rookie of the Week honors, Carter showed plenty of promise and then some in his collegiate debut in Saturday's hard-fought season opener on the road against a Bloomsburg University team that was receiving votes in last week's national rankings.

The Baltimore native got the start under center and displayed the ability to make plays in key moments – especially under pressure – with his arm and his legs. In the air, he finished 21-of-37 (56.8%) with 237 yards passing and one very impressive touchdown that brought the Warriors to within three points with time ticking down as part of a stellar drive to end the first half. The rookie also added another 32 yards on 11 carries, tying the team lead in total rush attempts.

With one game under his belt, Carter and the rest of a young-but-hungry Warriors squad will next turn their sights to the defending league champions, as Merrimack hosts Assumption College this Saturday (Sept. 8) night at Merrimack Stadium to open the conference slate. Kickoff is set for 6 p.m.