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Football MSU Athletics Communications

Morgan State LB Erick Hunter Signs as Undrafted Free Agent with Detroit Lions

BALTIMORE, Md. (April 25, 2026) -- Morgan State linebacker Erick Hunter is headed to the NFL, signing with the Detroit Lions as an undrafted free agent following the conclusion of this year's draft. Hunter's agreement with the organization provides the standout Morgan State defender an opportunity to compete for a spot on the team's final roster.

Hunter becomes the second Morgan State player in as many seasons to reach the NFL ranks, following former teammate Elijah Williams, who signed as an undrafted free agent with the Minnesota Vikings and earned a spot on the club's 53-man roster during the 2025 season.

The signing further underscores Morgan State's continued success in developing talent capable of competing at the professional level.
 
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A native of Capitol Heights, Md., Hunter delivered 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 one interception.

One of the defining moments of his season came against Norfolk State, when he returned a blocked kick 90 yards for a touchdown.

Hunter's postseason résumé solidified his standing among the top defensive players in the FCS. He earned Stats Perform FCS Second-Team All-America honors, Phil Steele FCS Third-Team All-America recognition, and was named an FCS Football Central All-American. In addition, he garnered All-MEAC First Team honors, was selected as a Buck Buchanan Award finalist, earned BOXTOROW HBCU All-America 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.

Hunter now begins the next chapter of his football journey 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.
 
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Players Mentioned

Erick Hunter

#40 Erick Hunter

LB
6' 4"
Redshirt Senior

Players Mentioned

Erick Hunter

#40 Erick Hunter

6' 4"
Redshirt Senior
LB