BALTIMORE, Md. (Dec. 14, 2023) — Morgan State linebacker Erick Hunter was named the BOXTOROW Impact Player of the Year as part of the BOXTOROW HBCU Superlative Awards, announced on Wednesday. The awards are part of The HBCU college football All-America team.

Hunter spoke about his appreciation for beeing named the first Morgan player to receive the award.

"It's been a huge honor to be recognized for all the hard work and hours I've put into the game of football and my craft," said Hunter. "I thank God for all of his blessings, to those who've supported me, and to those who doubted me to inspire me to work harder."

"It's truly an honor, but the job isn't done yet."

Hunter helped lead the Bears defense to some of the top marks in all college football in 2023 as an FCS Football Central All-American, All-MEAC First Team selection, and a Buck Buchanan Award finalist.

Hunter, a junior from Capitol Heights, Md., helped lead the Bears to the top defense in the MEAC (17th in FCS) and the top scoring defense (23rd in FCS). He leads the MEAC in tackles per game (7.5), recording 75 tackles (47 solo), 9.5 tackles for loss, three sacks, two forced fumbles, and two interceptions, one returned for a touchdown. 

The 6-foot-4, 210-pound junior was named BOXTOROW National Player of the Week (9/4) after registering 11 tackles, 1.5 sacks and 1.5 tackles for loss as the Bears defeated nationally ranked Richmond. His fourth quarter sack-fumble, which was recovered by the Bears, led to the Bears' go-ahead touchdown.

Hunter currently ranks No. 10 on Morgan's all-time tackles list with 188 career tackles.

The voters of the BOXTOROW Superlative Awards are comprised of media members from around the country that cover HBCU football.

Morgan was picked to finish fourth (4^th) in the MEAC preseason head football coaches and sports information directors, but instead finished in a 2-way tie for second place with a 3-2 mark in league play.  Morgan concluded the 2023 season with 4-6 record.