Week after week, the student-athletes of Morgan State University continue to excel, not only in competition but also in the classroom and beyond. The 'Beneath the Surface Spotlight' provides a glimpse into the lives of these extraordinary student-athletes, revealing the human stories behind their athletic achievements. These individuals are not only exceptional athletes but also outstanding scholars, leaders, and role models for generations to come.
Erick Hunter
Football
Class: Junior
Hometown: District Heights, MD
Major: Business Administration
Erick Hunter, a driven junior at Morgan State University, has established himself as a formidable force on the football field and a standout student leader. As a crucial member of the team's defense, Hunter showcased his exceptional skills as a sophomore, earning recognition as one of the conference's elite linebackers. His unwavering determination and athletic prowess have propelled him to further success, solidifying his status as a cornerstone of the team.
Throughout the 2023 season, Hunter has showcased remarkable defensive prowess, accumulating an astounding 75 tackles, the highest in the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC). His consistent performances have drawn attention across the league, earning him numerous accolades. Hunter was twice named MEAC Player of the Week for his exceptional contributions on the field. His academic achievements have also been recognized, as he earned Academic All-MEAC honors. Furthermore, he was selected to the FCS Football Central All-American Third Team and the All-MEAC First Team.
Hunter's exceptional performances also did not go unnoticed at the national level. He was a finalist for the prestigious Buck Buchanan Award, which recognizes the top defensive player in FCS football. Additionally, he has consistently maintained a spot on the Athletic Director's Honor Roll, a testament to his dedication to both academics and athletics. His most recent accolade was being named Morgan State's 2023-24 Male Athlete of the Year.
Hunter's relentless work ethic, coupled with an innate ability to read the game, has earned him the esteemed No. 10 ranking on Morgan's all-time tackles list. As the countdown to the Fall 2024 Football season begins, anticipation is building among fans and players alike. "There is much more to come this season," Hunter proclaimed with unwavering confidence. "We're ready to show what we're capable of."
Student Life
- What is the best time of year on campus? The Fall semester. It's warm and everyone is happy. There's fresh air and the start of football season. September is the best month for a college student and it is the start of something new.
- What is your major and why did you choose it? I started as an Accounting major and then I switched to Business Administration to broaden my options beyond accounting.
- What has been your favorite or most interesting class at MSU? The Business Communications professor in Summer 2022 was amazing, related, and clear. I feel like I learned so much in that class and have grown in my communication skills when it comes to the business aspect. It's been my favorite class and it was very well taught.
- If you had to give an incoming student advice, what would it be? College experience is what you make it. Do things when you get here and enjoy your time here. Join a team or a student organization. Do something outside your comfort zone.
- Describe your first day as a student at Morgan State? As an athlete, I arrived early and was excited to see everyone together, especially the band playing. It meant a lot to me and made me feel like I was living a normal life after just getting out of COVID in high school. Everything was starting to open back up.
- What do you like most about Morgan State? The support and love received from everyone. I just love how people come together.
Pop Culture
- What is your favorite social media? Instagram
- Would you rather read the book or watch the movie? Watch a movie.
- Favorite TV show? All-American
- Favorite book or magazine? Percey Jackson
- Do you have a favorite celebrity? Fred Warner
- Favorite music artist? Bryson Tiller
- Favorite childhood cartoon character? SpongeBob SquarePants
- What is the most interesting place you've visited? Coco Beach, Florida
- Where would you like to visit? Cancun for my first visit outside the country.
- Favorite home-cooked meal? Grilled salmon, mac and cheese, and green beans
- Favorite breakfast cereal as a kid? Cinnamon Toast Crunch
Sports
- When did you start playing football? At the age of 5. I started playing throwback tackle with other kids in the neighborhood and at the age of 7 I then started playing recreational.
- Which team do you most look forward to competing against? Hampton
- Do you have any pregame superstitions or rituals? Before games I always have to get a pre-game nap and I have to have music.
- What is your favorite part about playing your sport? Favorite part is hard because I love it so much... but I got to say winning.
- What is your favorite athletic memory? Winning the state championship in the 400-meter relay during my senior year of high school on the track & field team.
- What is your favorite professional sports team? The Washington Commanders
- When you're not at practice, what could someone find you doing? You could find me practicing, training or creating beats.
- What do you most look forward to during this upcoming season? Going out with the guys I came in with and winning it all.
Miscellaneous
- If you were a superhero, what would your superpower be? Invisibility
- Do you have an interesting nickname? "E40" - stands for E in Erick and my football number 40, and it originates from a rapper in Cali. However, people started calling me that because of my name.
- What is the best piece of advice you have ever received? Linebacker coach saying "Relax... everything is God's timing."
- If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be? How much I overthink.
- Person you admire the most? My dad is my biggest motivation. When I was a kid, he made a lot of sacrifices to help me pursue my interests and reach where I am today. I often think about the trials and tribulations he went through to help get to where I am today and it inspires me to work harder and give back to him.
- Most prized possession? My family
- If you could have dinner with 3 people who would they be? Michael Jackson, Sean Taylor and Elon Musk
- Your hometown is known for? District Heights and one great to make it out and play professionally is NaVorro Bowman.
- Early bird or night owl? Night owl
- Funniest person on the team? Hosea Robinson
- After meeting coach Wilson, you thought...? This guy is going to make good changes.
Assata Allah-Shabazz, MSU Athletics Communications intern contributed to this release.
Beneath the Surface full list here
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ABOUT MORGAN
Morgan State University, founded in 1867, is a Carnegie-classified high research (R2) institution offering nearly 140 academic programs leading to degrees from the baccalaureate to the doctorate. As Maryland's Preeminent Public Urban Research University, and the only university to have its entire campus designated as a National Treasure by the National Trust for Historic Preservation, Morgan serves a multiethnic and multiracial student body and seeks to ensure that the doors of higher education are opened as wide as possible to as many as possible. For more information about Morgan State University, visit www.morgan.edu
