Morgan State's Erick Hunter Blazes 4.48 40-Yard Dash at HBCU Showcase, Eyes NFL Draft

Morgan State linebacker Erick Hunter turned heads at the HBCU Showcase & International Player Pathway Pro Day on Monday, posting an eye-popping 4.48-second 40-yard dash that would have ranked third among linebackers at this year's NFL Combine. The event, held at the Washington Commanders' practice facility in Ashburn, Virginia, gave the NFL Draft hopeful a prime opportunity to showcase his skills in front of league evaluators with less than a month until the 2026 NFL Draft.

For HBCU prospects, showcases like Monday's event serve as critical platforms to prove their readiness for professional football. Hunter, a Capitol Heights native, seized the moment with both hands.

"Monday at the HBCU Showcase was just another opportunity to prove what I've been working on in the dark. 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."

A Dominant Senior Campaign

Hunter built his NFL case on the strength of an outstanding 2025 senior season. Starting all 12 games for the Bears, he delivered production that earned him recognition across the FCS landscape.

• 102 total tackles — led the MEAC
• 53 solo stops
• 14 tackles for loss
• Four sacks and five quarterback hurries
• Four forced fumbles and one interception
• A 90-yard blocked kick return for touchdown against Norfolk State

His stellar performance earned him multiple accolades, including Stats Perform FCS Second-Team All-American, Phil Steele FCS Third-Team All-American, FCS Football Central All-American, first-team All-MEAC honors, and recognition as a Buck Buchanan Award finalist. He also received BOXTOROW HBCU All-American recognition.

Bears Nation's Endorsement

Morgan State head coach Damon Wilson expressed confidence in his star linebacker's performance at the showcase.

"I think Erick did exactly what we expected him to do. 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."

Hunter leaves Morgan State as one of the program's all-time greats, finishing second on the Bears' all-time tackles list with 298 career stops. Whether his name is called on draft day or he earns his opportunity as a priority undrafted free agent, Hunter has proven that Morgan State continues to develop NFL-caliber defenders ready to compete at the highest level.

Originally reported by HBCU Gameday.