By Pittman’s Pocket HBCU Football
CINCINNATI, Ohio — August 13, 2026 — Sometimes the transition from HBCU football to the NFL requires an adjustment period. For Detroit Lions rookie linebacker Erick Hunter, the early signs suggest the adjustment is coming naturally.
Hunter led the Lions in tackles Thursday night against the Cincinnati Bengals, recording four total tackles in Detroit’s 16-14 preseason loss. More importantly, his performance showcased the same sideline-to-sideline presence, instincts and pursuit range that defined his career at Morgan State and carried over into the postseason all-star circuit.
The Lions entered the preseason opener looking for young players to establish themselves, and Hunter was specifically identified as one of the linebackers competing for a roster opportunity. With injuries creating additional opportunities higher on the depth chart, Hunter has taken advantage of his increased reps during training camp.
THE PRODUCTION DIDN’T START IN DETROIT
Hunter’s NFL debut should be viewed in the context of what he accomplished before arriving in Detroit.
At Morgan State, Hunter finished his senior season as the MEAC’s leading tackler, producing 102 tackles, 53 solo tackles, 14 tackles for loss, four sacks, five quarterback hurries, four forced fumbles and an interception in 12 starts. He also finished his Morgan State career with 298 tackles, second-most in program history.
That production earned Hunter Stats Perform FCS Second-Team All-American, FCS Football Central All-American and All-MEAC First Team recognition. He was also a Buck Buchanan Award finalist and a BOXTOROW HBCU All-American.
Then came the all-star circuit.
Hunter was selected to participate in the 2026 HBCU Legacy Bowl, where NFL.com specifically identified him as a sideline-to-sideline playmaker during the week of practices. Morgan State also confirmed that Hunter was selected for the inaugural American Bowl.
Those experiences gave Hunter additional exposure against high-level college talent and placed him in front of NFL personnel before Detroit ultimately signed him as an undrafted free agent.
THE LIONS ARE STARTING TO SEE WHAT MORGAN STATE SAW
Hunter’s four-tackle performance against Cincinnati wasn’t an isolated flash.
Detroit head coach Dan Campbell has already praised Hunter’s development during training camp, while local Lions coverage has highlighted the rookie’s ability to make plays and his work ethic, particularly on special teams.
That matters.
For an undrafted rookie, the quickest path to an NFL roster is usually proving that the production follows him wherever he plays.
Morgan State: 102 tackles.
Legacy Bowl: sideline-to-sideline impact.
Training camp: earning additional opportunities.
NFL preseason: team-leading four tackles.
That’s a progression worth watching.
COULD HUNTER EVENTUALLY START?
It’s far too early to declare Hunter an NFL starter, but the potential is becoming increasingly difficult to ignore.
The Lions already have established veteran linebacker talent, including Devin White, and several young players are competing for roles. Hunter’s immediate objective is to make the roster, establish himself on special teams and continue earning defensive snaps.
But if his production continues when his opportunities increase, the conversation could change quickly.
Hunter’s scouting profile already points toward a linebacker who understands how to read the run, takes disciplined steps and attacks downhill. His college résumé also demonstrates that he can handle a significant workload.
The question isn’t whether Hunter can find the football.
He has been doing that for years.
The question now is how much Detroit is willing to let him play.
PITTman’s Pocket TAKE
Erick Hunter looks comfortable.
That’s perhaps the most important takeaway from his first NFL preseason appearance.
He isn’t playing like a player simply trying to survive the jump from the HBCU level. He’s playing like a linebacker who understands where he’s supposed to be and has the instincts to get there.
Four tackles and a team-leading performance against Cincinnati won’t guarantee Hunter a roster spot, much less a starting job.
But it does establish something important:
The HBCU production has followed him to Detroit.
If Hunter continues producing at this rate as his defensive workload increases, the Lions could have more than an undrafted free agent on their hands.
They could have found a legitimate linebacker capable of becoming a major contributor — and potentially, down the road, a starting-caliber player.
For Pittman’s Pocket, that’s exactly why the HBCU-to-NFL pipeline deserves attention.
Erick Hunter isn’t just making the roster conversation.
He’s making the Lions’ linebacker conversation interesting.
Worked as a Scout and volunteer for the East n West Shriners game in 2016-2017.
Also attended the Hula bowl and Tropical Bowl games. 2022
Also was a independent Agent and Scout at the CGS bowl game in 2021.
Worked All star games like the EPS All-Americans game in 2017.
