Former Syracuse starting quarterback Terrel Hunt has been denied a waiver for a sixth year of eligibility by the NCAA, Syracuse announced in a press release.

The quarterback tore his Achilles in Syracuse’s first game of the year against Rhode Island, his second straight season-ending injury in a row. Last season, Hunt fractured his fibula in the fifth game of the season against Louisville, missing the last seven games.

“Obviously, it’s very disappointing but I want to thank my teammates, coaches and all the Syracuse fans who have supported me through this process and during my time here,” Hunt said in a statement to SU Athletics. “Even though my career didn’t turn how I thought it would, I still have a lot of great memories that I’ll take with me for the rest of my life.

“Right now I’m focused on my rehab and on finishing graduate school. I’m getting better every day and hopefully I’ll have the opportunity to continue my career at the professional level.”

In his sophomore year, Hunt stepped in for fifth-year transfer Drew Allen after Allen had a pair of atrocious performances against Penn State and Northwestern. The two split the game against Wagner and Hunt then started against Tulane.

Hunt led Syracuse to its last bowl win against Minnesota in the Texas Bowl. He threw for 188 yards, but made his biggest contribution with his feet, rushing for 74 and two touchdowns. Hunt was named the game’s most valuable player.

Now, he finishes his Syracuse career with 2,621 yards and 11 touchdowns in the air with another 794 yards and 13 touchdowns on the ground.

Syracuse is expected to return Eric Dungey, Austin Wilson and Zack Mahoney at quarterback. Hunt would’ve likely competed with those three for the starting job next season had he been granted the waiver.

Published on November 27, 2015 at 12:08 pm

Contact Chris: cjlibona@syr.edu | @ChrisLibonati