Father of Eric Dungey: He’s ‘100 percent healthy’, could have played last season

Syracuse Orange quarterback Eric Dungey is completely healthy and looking forward to the start of spring practice, his father, Tim Dungey, told Syracuse.com on Thursday.

“I've spent a lot of time with (Eric) over Christmas break," Tim Dungey said. “He can tell you he's 100 percent healthy. He has been working out every day while on break and is eager for spring ball to start.”

This is the first time Dungey’s health and availability have been addressed by either the coaching staff or a close family member since the end of last season.

Dungey missed Syracuse’s final three games after suffering a hard hit to his head-and-neck area in the first quarter of SU’s 54-0 loss to Clemson on Nov. 5. Syracuse coach Dino Babers repeatedly declined to reveal any specifics regarding Dungey’s injury, which included at least two sets of testing, and the Orange lost its final four games of the season to finish 4-8.

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Tim Dungey told Syracuse.com Eric was healthy enough to play and was disappointed he was not given the chance to do so.

“After examination by a qualified expert,” Tim Dungey said. “Whose opinion was there was no reason Eric could not play, made it frustrating for Eric not playing last year as he wanted to make contributions on the field.”

Even with an injury-shortened season, Dungey still completed nearly 65 percent of his passes for 2,679 yards and 15 touchdowns to seven interceptions. The sophomore quarterback also rushed for 293 yards and six touchdowns.

Tim Dungey said Eric is ready to put last season’s frustrating finish behind and prepare for 2017.

“Bottom line: He's 100 percent and looking forward to getting back on the field and excited for Syracuse football next season,” Tim Dungey said.