The Cowboys Need to Keep an Eye on HBCU LB Erick Hunter

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Morgan State Bears linebacker, Erick Hunter, wearing a white No. 40 uniform lines up in a low defensive stance during a game as a referee stands nearby on the field.

When I look at Erick Hunter, and what he has done on the field, this is exactly the type of player I’m talking about when I say the Cowboys need to get back to finding football players, not just names.

Yes, Hunter played at Morgan State, an HBCU, and I already know how that conversation usually goes.

Lesser competition, smaller spotlight, fewer eyes, but here’s the part that matters to me as a Cowboys fan: if you can play, you can play, no matter where you played.

And Erick Hunter can play.


Morgan State Bears linebacker, Erick Hunter, wearing a navy No. 40 jersey lines up in a defensive stance across from the offense during a daytime college football game.

Erick Hunter’s Production is Real

I don’t care about the conference a player comes from if you’re putting up numbers and showing big-time traits on film.

In the 2025 season, Erick Hunter finished with 101 tackles, 52 of them solo, while adding four sacks, three forced fumbles, three passes defended, and an interception to put the cherry on top.

I didn’t only see a productive player, he was the heartbeat of the Morgan State defense.

That matters when I look at the Cowboys’ linebacker room over the last few seasons. Too many missed tackles, or guys who look the part, but don’t finish plays.

Hunter finishes over and over again.

The Erick Hunter to the Cowboys conversation starts right here.


Two white football helmets rest on a field, featuring orange and navy striping with “Bears,” “1867,” and “National Treasure” decals visible, with a stadium in the background. The design worn by draft prospect Erick Hunter.

His HBCU Path Matters—Just Not the Way People Think

If anything, Hunter’s HBCU path makes me more interested. He didn’t have five-star hype or national attention. He had to earn everything.

We have all watched the Cowboys struggle with players who have been told they’re great their whole lives. Erick Hunter wasn’t handed anything, he became a leader because of effort, accountability, and consistency.

Those traits don’t disappear when the level of competition changes.

The helmet doesn’t tackle, the player does.


Why Erick Hunter Fits What the Cowboys Need

Hunter is 6’3”, 220 pounds, and moves well. He can play downhill, drop into coverage, and blitz when asked. I don’t see him being locked into one role, and that versatility matters in today’s Cowboys defense.

This is why I am keeping an eye on Erick Hunter Cowboys fit.

Hunter plays fast, physically, and doesn’t need to be protected. This is the type of linebacker who will survive on Sundays.


Special Teams Is His Fastest Path

If Erick Hunter makes an NFL roster, and I believe he will, special teams will be his fastest path, and that’s not a knock on him or his talent. That’s how a lot of good linebackers stick.

During his time at Morgan State, he returned a blocked punt and took it 90 yards for a touchdown and this showcased some of his playmaking ability.


Erick Hunter Is Not Just an HBCU Player

I’m not lobbying for the Cowboys to watch Erick Hunter because he’s an HBCU player. That would be unfair to him.

I want them to watch him because he’s a good football player.

The Erick Hunter Cowboys connection isn’t about hype or headlines, it’s about his toughness, effort, and production. All of those traits translate to every level of football.

More on this topic: 2026 Draft Class

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Cody Warren is a sports journalist at InsideTheStar.com, where he has published 302 articles reaching over 1 million readers. He is a Law Enforcement Officer with nearly 20 years of professional service across multiple assignments, bringing investigative rigor and a commitment to factual accuracy to his Dallas Cowboys coverage.

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