Former Syracuse tight end Trey Dunkelberger transfers to Western Illinois

Five Syracuse Orange football players have transferred out of the program since this fall. One of them has already found himself a new home.

Former tight end Trey Dunkelberger announced via Twitter that he was headed to the FCS Western Illinois Leathernecks, where he’ll use his final season of eligibility. He’d already made the decision to move on during the 2016 season.

“Dunk” was at Syracuse for two seasons following his transfer from Pierce College (Woodland Hills, Calif.) in 2015. A three-star JUCO talent, he had offers from Akron, Cincinnati and USF, plus interest from Louisville. He was originally from Shillington, Penn. Trey played in one game for SU, the Rhode Island season opener in 2015.

Going into 2015, it was thought that the big, athletic pass-catcher would be a significant part of the team’s two-tight end sets. However, injuries seemed to sideline him for much of the year. In 2016, he was moved to defensive end to help out the slim depth chart there. Though he switched back to offense again during fall camp, though he didn’t appear for the Orange during the season.

He’s the second Syracuse player to head to a directional Illinois school in the past two years. Former Orange quarterback Mitch Kimble headed to Eastern Illinois, where Dino Babers once coached, in 2015. Kimble was the team’s leading passer this year, with 1,414 yards and 13 touchdowns.

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We wish Trey the best at Western Illinois as he pursues his masters degree and hopefully a good deal of playing time as well.