By D. Orlando Ledbetter

ATLANTA — Morgan State linebacker Erick Hunters has moved to the top of the list onf NFL draft prospects from the HBCUs (Historically Black Colleges and Universities).

He has had a strong offseason with good showings in two All-Star games and in the recently held NFL Showcase.

The NFL draft will be held April 23-25 in Pittsburgh.

The draft will start at 8 p.m. ET, Thursday, April 23 (Round 1). It will resume at

7 p.m. ET, Friday, April 24 (Rounds 2-3). It will conclude at  Noon ET, Saturday, April 25 (Rounds 4-7).

The first round will conclude on Thursday by approximately 10:30 p.m. ET. In 2025, the first round consumed three hours and 29 minutes.

The second and third rounds will conclude on Friday by approximately 11 p.m. ET.

The second and third rounds took a combined four hours and 12 minutes in 2025.

The draft will conclude by approximately 7 p.m. ET on Saturday with the final four rounds. Rounds four through seven took six hours and 57 minutes in 2025.

Only Alabama A&M offensive tackle Carson Vinson was drafted in the 2025 NFL draft. He was selected by the Ravens in the fifth-round (151st overall).

In 2024, no players from the HBCU’s were drafted.

Hunter is viewed by many NFL scouts and front office executives  as the top HBCU prospect due to his 6-3, 220-pound frame, 102 tackles, 14 TFLs, and elite agility skills.

Here are the top 10 prospects for the NFL draft from HBCUs (Historically Black Colleges and Universities):

1. Erick Hunter, LB, Morgan State, 6-feet, 3-inches, 220 pounds: He was a two-time captain. He was 2025 All-MEAC first team.  BOXTOROW HBCU All-American Team.  FCS Football Central All-American Third Team.  Phil Steele 2025 FCS 2025 All-American Third Team. He played in the American Bowl and the HBCU Legacy Bowl.

2. Curtis Allen, RB, Virginia Union, 6=2, 215: Allen was the Division II college football player of the year and recipient of the 2025 Harlon Hill Trophy, Allen was slowed during the Legacy Bowl week by a hamstring injury. He rushed for 2,386 yards, the fifth-most in Division II history and the most by a DII running back in seven years. He also led Division II with 30 rushing touchdowns. He ran for at least 100 yards in every game this season. He recorded four 200-yard games, highlighted by 369, and five touchdowns, against Bluefield State.

3. Chris Mosley, RB, North Carolina Center, 5-9, 180: Ran the 40-yard dash in 4.68 seconds. Has great vision and ability to change direction.

4. Jeremiah Williams, DL, Jackson State, 6-2, 314: A powerful player with quickness off the ball. Had a fine showing at the HBCU showcase. He had 35 tackles and two sacks last season for the Tigers.

5. Ckelby Givens, Edge, Southern, 6-2, 245: High energy pass rusher.  Had a fine showing at the HBCU showcase. He had 37 tackles as a freshman in 2022. He had 61 in 2023 and 73 in 2024, three forced fumbles and 13 quarterback hits. He had 25 sacks over his career.

6. Maleek Huggins WR, Bethune-Cookman, 5-11, 180: He caught 64 passes for 864 yards and eight touchdowns last season, including and 85- and 82-yarders.

7. William Atkins, QB, South Carolina State, 6-1, 215: He started his career at James Madison. Lst season for the Bulldogs he completed 171 of 271 passes for 2,368 yards, 17 touchdowns and four interceptions. He also had a rushing touchdown.

8. Bruno Onwauzor, OT, Virginia State, 67, 351: He started his career at Maryland. Played in the HBCU Legacy Bowl. He was a two-time All-CIAA first-team selection. He has an 86-inch wingspan.

9. Joanes Fortilien, WR, Jackson State, 6-5 200: Dominated in 2024 with 41 catches for 637 yards and a team-high 11 touchdown catches including a 70-yard bomb in the Celebration Bowl. Played in one game last season.

10. Jarod Washington, DB, South Carolina State, 6-2, 188: He had 35 tackles, two interceptions and 21 pass breakups last season for the Bulldogs.

Other notable prospects: Walker Harris, QB, North Carolina Central: He participated in the 2026 NFL HBCU Showcase. JaCobian Morgan, QB, Jackson State; Travor Randle, S, Prairie View; Aaron Harris, CB, North Carolina A&T; Quincy Ivory, DE, Jackson State; Ashton Grable, OL, Florida A&M.

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