After spending his entire college career at Morgan State, Hunter has officially earned another opportunity at the NFL level.
The linebacker signed with the New England Patriots and is now on the team’s 53-man roster after previously signing with the Detroit Lions as an undrafted free agent in May 2026. (Pats Pulpit)
But Hunter’s NFL opportunity didn’t come out of nowhere.
A dominant career at Morgan State
Hunter arrived at Morgan State in 2021 and developed into one of the most productive defensive players in the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC).
Over five seasons and 45 games, Hunter finished his Morgan State career with 298 total tackles, ranking second in program history. He also recorded:
- 10.5 sacks
- 7 forced fumbles
- 3 interceptions
- 1 fumble recovery
Those numbers helped establish Hunter as one of the premier defensive players in HBCU football. (Pats Pulpit)
2022: Breakout season
As a sophomore in 2022, Hunter appeared in all 11 games and recorded 77 tackles, including 52 solo stops.
He added 6.5 tackles for loss, 1.5 sacks, five quarterback hurries, a forced fumble and a fumble recovery, while also earning Academic All-MEAC recognition.
Hunter also earned MEAC Defensive Player of the Week honors following Morgan State’s upset win over Delaware State. (Morgan State University Athletics)
2023: Hunter announces himself nationally
Hunter took his game to another level in 2023.
He led the MEAC with 75 tackles and added:
9.5 tackles for loss • 3 sacks • 2 forced fumbles • 2 interceptions • 7 QB hurries
He was named First-Team All-MEAC, a two-time MEAC Player of the Week, an HBCU National Player of the Week, and a FCS Football Central Third-Team All-American.
He was also named a finalist for the Buck Buchanan Award, given to the top defensive player in FCS football.
Hunter’s biggest playmaking moment came against Norfolk State, when he intercepted a pass and returned it 60 yards for a touchdown. (Morgan State University Athletics)
2024: The recognition kept coming
Despite missing most of the 2024 season because of injury, Hunter’s reputation had already grown significantly.
He entered the season as a Preseason First-Team All-American by FCS Football Central and Stats Perform, while also earning Second-Team Preseason All-American recognition from Phil Steele.
He was again placed on the Buck Buchanan Award Watch List and was selected to the inaugural HBCU+ FCS National Player of the Year Award Watch List. (Morgan State University Athletics)
2025: A historic senior season
Hunter came back healthy in 2025 and delivered his best season yet.
He started all 12 games and led the entire MEAC with 102 total tackles, including 53 solo tackles.
His final stat line included:
102 tackles • 14 TFL • 4 sacks • 5 QB hurries • 4 forced fumbles • 1 interception
He even returned a blocked kick 90 yards for a touchdown against Norfolk State. (MEAC Sports)
The accolades followed.
Hunter was named:
🏆 First-Team All-MEAC
🏆 Stats Perform FCS Second-Team All-American
🏆 Phil Steele FCS Third-Team All-American
🏆 FCS Football Central All-American
🏆 BOXTOROW HBCU All-American
🏆 Buck Buchanan Award Finalist
🏆 2025-26 MEAC Male Student-Athlete of the Year
🏆 American Bowl selection (Morgan State University Athletics)
Now, it’s on to New England
Hunter signed with Detroit as an undrafted free agent in May and made an impression during the preseason, including making a key fumble recovery on special teams.
The Lions ultimately released him during final roster cuts.
Instead of letting that moment end the dream, Hunter kept working.
Now, he’s getting another opportunity with the New England Patriots.
From Morgan State to the MEAC to the NFL, Erick Hunter’s story is bigger than making a roster.
It’s about staying prepared when the opportunity doesn’t come exactly when you expect it.
Undrafted. Released. Re-signed. NFL roster.
The journey continues for E40. 🐻🔥
Morgan State built him. The MEAC showcased him. Now New England gets to see what he’s capable of.
Source: Morgan State Athletics, MEAC, New England Patriots roster reporting
