MSU: Blue and Orange Elite: Two Bears on Senior Bowl Radar
BALTIMORE, Md. — Senior linebacker Erick Hunter and senior defensive lineman Elijah Williams represented Morgan State football on the 2025 Reese’s Senior Bowl Watch List announced Wednesday by the organization. The Reese’s Senior Bowl is the nation’s most prestigious college all-star game, as it annually serves as the first step of the NFL draft process.
There are 81 total FCS players, and six players from the MEAC Conference: two from Morgan, two from Howard, and two from South Carolina State. To view the full watch list, click HERE.
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 FCS.
He led the 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.
This preseason, Hunter has been named a preseason All-American by three different organizations and is on the Buck Buchanan Award Preseason Watch List, the Black College Player of the Year Watchlist, and the inaugural HBCU+FCS National Player of the Year Watch List.
Williams, also named Phil Steele’s 2024 MEAC Preseason Defensive Player of the Year, was a defensive standout in the trenches for the Bears in 2023. His contributions to the team’s success were undeniable, and he rightfully earned his place on the First-Team All-MEAC 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.
The preseason accolades continue to roll in for Williams this offseason, solidifying his status as one of the most promising players in FCS football. He has been named a preseason All-American by four different organizations, including FCS Football Central, BOXTOROW, Phil Steele, and Stats Perform. Williams is on the Black College Player of the Year Watchlist and the inaugural HBCU+FCS National Player of the Year Watch List.
About the Reese’s Senior Bowl Watch ListThe Reese’s Senior Bowl is widely regarded as the preeminent college football all-star game and the first stage in the NFL Draft process. The longest continual-running all-star game has taken place in Mobile, Alabama the past 75 years. More than 900 NFL personnel, including key decision-makers from all 32 teams, and over 1100 media members from around the country were credentialed this year. This past April, the game produced 110 total picks, representing 43 percent of the entire NFL draft.
