The Detroit Lions took a swing on one of the most productive defenders in HBCU football when they signed linebacker Erick Hunter as an undrafted free agent. While he didn’t hear his name called during the 2026 NFL Draft, Hunter arrives in Detroit with a résumé that suggests he has a real chance to stick—thanks to elite production, big-game moments, and a decorated college career at Morgan State Bears football.
Hunter’s final season in 2025 was nothing short of dominant. He started all 12 games and led the MEAC with 102 total tackles, including 53 solo stops. He added 14 tackles for loss, four sacks, five quarterback hurries, four forced fumbles, and an interception—stuffing the stat sheet in every possible way. Those numbers didn’t just lead his team—they made him one of the most productive linebackers in the entire FCS.
That production earned him a long list of accolades. Hunter was named a Stats Perform FCS All-American, a First-Team All-MEAC selection, and a finalist for the prestigious Buck Buchanan Award, which honors the top defensive player in the FCS. He was also a two-time MEAC Defensive Player of the Year and received multiple HBCU All-American honors, solidifying his status as one of the top defenders in HBCU football.
But Hunter’s impact goes beyond one season. Over his college career, he played 45 games and totaled 298 tackles, 35 tackles for loss, and 10.5 sacks, finishing second all-time in tackles in program history. His consistency and durability were major strengths, as he was a multi-year leader and centerpiece of the Bears’ defense.
Some of Hunter’s biggest moments came in high-pressure games. In 2023, he delivered a standout performance against nationally ranked Richmond, recording 11 tackles and a clutch fourth-quarter sack-fumble that directly led to the game-winning touchdown. That performance earned him HBCU National Player of the Week honors and showcased his ability to change games when it matters most.
He followed that up with another strong 2023 campaign, finishing with 75 tackles, 9.5 tackles for loss, three sacks, and two interceptions while earning All-American recognition. Across multiple seasons, Hunter proved he could both rack up volume stats and make splash plays—an important combination for an NFL hopeful.
Athletically, Hunter also checks key boxes. He reportedly ran in the 4.4 range in the 40-yard dash and posted a 37-inch vertical, rare numbers for a linebacker. That speed shows up on film, where he consistently flies sideline-to-sideline and closes quickly on ball carriers.
For the Lions, Hunter represents a classic high-upside UDFA: productive, experienced, and explosive. His path to making the roster will likely start on special teams, where his speed and tackling ability can immediately translate. If he can continue to develop his instincts and coverage skills, there’s a real opportunity for him to carve out a rotational role at linebacker.
At minimum, Detroit is getting a proven playmaker. At best, they may have uncovered one of the steals of the 2026 undrafted class.