Hunter is one of two players from the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference to grace the initial list. He's joined by Howard defensive back Kenny Gallop Jr.

Hunter (6-4 and 210 pounds) earned the prestigious All-MEAC First Team selection as a leading force on one of the nation's best defenses last season. His exceptional defensive skillset propelled him to become a finalist for the coveted Buck Buchanan Award, recognizing the nation's top defensive player in the FCS.

He led the MEAC with 75 tackles and ranked No. 6 in tackles for loss (9.5). In addition to his elite tackling ability, Hunter also showcased his versatility and playmaking skills. He registered 7 quarterback hurries, 3.0 sacks (No. 11), two forced fumbles, two interceptions and a pass breakup.  

Earlier this week, Hunter was among four MEAC players to earn 2024 Stats Perform FCS Preseason All-America honors, selected to the first team. He was also dubbed preseason first team All-American by FCS Football Central. Hunter was a first-team preseason All-MEAC selection by the league's head coaches and sports information directors at the conference's media day in Norfolk, Va. back on July 23.

First awarded in 1995, the Buchanan Award includes past recipients such as Dexter Coakley from Appalachian State – the only SoCon player to ever win the award, doing so twice in 1995 and 1996 – Rashean Mathis, Jared Allen and Arthur Moats.

More players can join the watch list before a national media panel selects the winner after the regular season from a group of finalists. Past Buchanan recipients include Dexter Coakley, Rashean Mathis, Jared Allen and Arthur Moats.
 
Also this season, the Walter Payton Award (FCS offensive player of the year), Jerry Rice Award (FCS freshman player of the year), Eddie Robinson Award (FCS coach of the year), Urban Edge Network HBCU+ Player of the Year and FedEx Doris Robinson Scholar-Athlete of the Year will be presented at the Stats Perform national awards banquet on Jan. 5 in Frisco, Texas.

For the complete Stats Perform FCS Buck Buchanan Award 2024 Preseason Watch List click here.

Buck Buchanan Award: Complete history of the FCS defensive honor click here. 

Morgan opens its 2024 football season on Aug. 31 against the Hampton Pirates at Armstrong Stadium.

Season tickets for the 2024 campaign are now available by clicking 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.