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ASHBURN, Va. (April 1, 2026) — Morgan State linebacker Erick Hunter took another important step in his professional football journey Monday, participating in the HBCU Showcase & International Player Pathway (IPP) Pro Day at the Washington Commanders' practice facility.
Competing alongside top prospects from historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs), Hunter had the opportunity to perform in front of representatives from NFL teams with the 2026 NFL Draft less than a month away.
For NFL hopefuls, events like the HBCU Showcase can be instrumental in opening doors at the next level. A standout performance can boost draft stock, generate priority undrafted free agent interest, and earn rookie minicamp invitations that often serve as the first step toward an NFL roster spot.
For Hunter, the moment represented the latest chapter in a standout Morgan State career, as he aimed to translate his on-field production and leadership with the Bears into a professional opportunity.
"Monday at the HBCU Showcase was just another opportunity to prove what I've been working on in the dark," Hunter said. "I came out there focused, fast, and physical. I want to show teams I can run, cover, and make plays sideline to sideline. I'm never satisfied, though — it's always more to prove. That was just a glimpse of what I bring."
"I think Erick did exactly what we expected him to do," said Morgan State head coach Damon Wilson. "Erick has put a lot of work in, prepared for the opportunity, and taken full advantage of it. He displayed what hard work looks like on one of the biggest stages."
A native of Capitol Heights, Hunter put together a dominant senior campaign in 2025. The preseason MEAC Defensive Player of the Year started all 12 games and led the conference with 102 total tackles, including 53 solo stops. He also recorded 14 tackles for loss, four sacks, five quarterback hurries, four forced fumbles, and an interception.
One of the defining moments of his season came against the Norfolk State Spartans, when he returned a blocked kick 90 yards for a touchdown.
Hunter's postseason résumé further solidified his standing as one of the top defensive players in the FCS. He earned Stats Perform FCS Second-Team All-American honors, Phil Steele FCS Third-Team All-American recognition, and was named an FCS Football Central All-American. He also garnered All-MEAC First Team honors, was selected as a Buck Buchanan Award finalist, earned BOXTOROW HBCU All-American recognition, and accepted an invitation to compete in The American Bowl, college football's inaugural all-star game.
He also cemented his legacy at Morgan State, finishing second on the program's all-time tackles list with 298 career stops.
Adding to the experience, former teammate and Minnesota Viking Elijah Williams was on hand to support this year's participants, offering encouragement and insight from his own pre-draft journey. Former Jackson State alum and Washington Commander Robert McDaniel joined him, helping guide and motivate the next wave of HBCU players striving for NFL opportunities.
The showcase has become a key pipeline for HBCU talent seeking opportunities at the next level.
Previously held in New Orleans during the lead-up to the HBCU Legacy Bowl, the NFL reimagined this year's event in partnership with its International Player Pathway program. The expanded three-day format gave participants additional time following the season to recover, prepare, and showcase their skills at peak performance.
Hunter's appearance at the showcase continues Morgan State's tradition of developing talent capable of competing at the professional level.
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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.
