BALTIMORE, Md. (August 1, 2024) -- Morgan State linebacker Erick Hunter and defensive lineman Elijah Williams have been named to the inaugural HBCU+ FCS National Player of the Year Award Watch List announced by Stats Perform and Urban Edge Network on Thursday.
The on-field accomplishments of many talented HBCU football players can been overlooked given the vast size of having 129 FCS schools in Division I college football, but recent winners of the Buck Buchanan Award have showcased the significant skill. Most recently, Tennessee State defensive end Terrell Allen received the 2023 Buchanan Award as the FCS national defensive player of the year.
Hunter, also a member of The Stats Perform FCS Buck Buchanan Award 2024 Preseason Watch List and Preseason All-America Team, was Morgan's leading tackler in 2023. The Capitol Heights, Md. product 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.
Williams, also a member of the Stats Perform FCS Preseason All-America Team, was a defensive standout in the trenches for the Bears in 2023. The First-Team All-MEAC performer became a nightmare for offenses, cementing his reputation as one of the most dominant edge rushers in the conference. The New Jersey product registered 50 total tackles, including 31 solo tackles. His ability to penetrate the offensive line and disrupt plays was unmatched, as evidenced by his league-leading 11.0 tackles for loss.
The inaugural Urban Edge Network HBCU+ FCS National Player of the Year Award will extend the recognition in the 2024 season. The award will recognize the nation's best HBCU player – regardless of position – from 21 programs spread across the FCS, including in the Southwestern and Mid-Eastern athletic conferences.
A national panel of voters will select the winner after the regular season. The recipient will be announced on Dec. 9 and invited to the Stats Perform FCS National Awards Banquet, planned for Jan. 5 in Frisco, Texas.
For complete HBCU+ FCS National Player of the Year Award Watch List here.
The Bears will open its 2024 slate on Saturday, Aug. 31 against the Hampton Pirates at Armstrong Stadium. Morgan's home-opener will be on Saturday, Sept. 21 at 7 p.m. when they welcome the Virginia-Lynchburg Dragons to Hughes Stadium.
Season tickets for the 2024 campaign are now available by clicking here.
FOLLOW MORGAN STATE ATHLETICS IN CYBERSPACE
There are many ways to keep up with MSU athletics online and on the go:
• Visit www.morganstatebears.com, the official web site of Bears athletics, for news, schedules, stats, bios and more.
• Follow us on social media:
Facebook: /MorganStateBears
Twitter: @MorganStBears
Instagram: /MorganStateBears
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.
