BALTIMORE, Md. (July 15, 2025) -- Morgan State University has a reason to celebrate as two of its football standouts, Erick Hunter and Malique Leatherbury, have earned prestigious spots on the Stats Perform FCS Preseason All-America Team, a recognition announced on Tuesday. Hunter was named a Second Team selection at linebacker, while Leatherbury was tabbed Third Team punt returner.
The selection of the duo underscores the talent within the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC), as they represent two of only four players from the league to earn a spot on this exclusive list. They are joined by North Carolina Central defensive back Malcolm Reed, who was a first-team selection, followed by Howard defensive lineman Noah Miles, who was named to the third team.
The 2024 season was undoubtedly a test of resilience for Hunter, who spent most of it sidelined by injury, watching from the sidelines as his team battled.
His outstanding 2023 campaign clearly showed Hunter's ability and impact. Standing at 6-4 and weighing 210 pounds, Hunter earned the prestigious All-MEAC First Team honor as a key player on one of the nation's top defenses. His exceptional defensive skills helped him become a finalist for the coveted Buck Buchanan Award, which recognizes the best defensive player in the Football Championship Subdivision (FCS).
Hunter led the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) with 75 tackles and ranked No. 6 in tackles for loss (9.5). In addition to his exceptional tackling ability, he also demonstrated his versatility and playmaking skills. He recorded 7 quarterback hurries, 3.0 sacks (No. 11), two forced fumbles, two interceptions, and a pass breakup.
Hunter currently ranks No. 9 on Morgan's all-time tackles list with 196 career tackles, and is just 4 tackles shy of becoming just the seventh player in Morgan history to reach the 200-tackle milestone
Looking ahead to this fall, Hunter is poised for a dominant return, ready to reclaim his role as a pivotal force on the field.
Leatherbury capped off an impressive 2024 season as one of the premier return specialists in FCS football. His electrifying performances earned him a spot on the All-MEAC Second Team, largely fueled by his remarkable 17.9-yard average per punt return, which ranked second-best in the entire FCS.
Leatherbury's impact extended beyond mere statistics; he provided a spark for the Bears, most notably demonstrated by his crucial 63-yard punt return during Morgan State's thrilling come-from-behind overtime victory against Norfolk State on November 2nd.
For complete Stats Perform FCS Preseason All-America Teams, click here.
The highly anticipated 2025 season officially kicks off for the Bears on Saturday, August 30. With key players like Hunter, Leatherbury, and the rest of the talented squad leading the charge, the team is set to launch its new campaign against a formidable out-of-conference opponent, the University of South Alabama Jaguars. This season-opening showdown kickoff is slated to kickoff at 7 p.m. at the Jaguars' home turf, Hancock Whitney Stadium, promising an exciting and challenging start to what the Bears hope will be a memorable year.
Season tickets for the 2025 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 website 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.
