Football | 7/29/2024 11:01:00 AM
BALTIMORE, Md. (July 29, 2024) -- Morgan State University has a reason to celebrate as two of its standout defensive players Erick Hunter and Elijah Williams, have earned prestigious spots on the Stats Perform FCS Preseason All-America Team, a recognition announced on Monday. Hunter was named a First Team selection at linebacker, while Williams was tabbed a Third Team defensive lineman.
The duo are two of four players from the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference to be selected to the list. They are joined by Howard defensive back Kenny Gallop Jr. who was a first team selection, followed by South Carolina State offensive lineman Nick Taiste who was named to the third team.
Prior to the start of the 2024 season, both Hunter and Williams have been named FCS Football Central Preseason All-Americans and All-MEAC First Team selections.
Hunter (6-4 and 210 pounds) earned the prestigious All-MEAC First Team selection as a leading force on one of the nation's best defenses last season. His exceptional defensive skillset propelled him to become a finalist for the coveted Buck Buchanan Award, recognizing the nation's top defensive player in the Football Championship Subdivision (FCS).
He led the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) with 75 tackles and ranked No. 6 in tackles for loss (9.5). In addition to his elite tackling ability, Hunter also showcased his versatility and playmaking skills. He registered 7 quarterback hurries, 3.0 sacks (No. 11), two forced fumbles, two interceptions and a pass breakup.
Williams (6-3, 270) was a defensive standout in the trenches for the Bears in 2023. The First-Team All-MEAC performer became a nightmare for offenses, cementing his reputation as one of the most dominant edge rushers in the conference. The New Jersey product registered 50 total tackles, including 31 solo tackles. His ability to penetrate the offensive line and disrupt plays was unmatched, as evidenced by his league-leading 11.0 tackles for loss.
For complete Stats Perform FCS Preseason All-America Teams click here.
Hunter, Williams and the rest of the Bears kickoff the 2024 season on Saturday, Aug. 31 against the Hampton Pirates at Armstrong Stadium at 6 p.m.
Season tickets for the 2024 campaign are now available by clicking here.
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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.