Dillon Gabriel‘s journey through college football has been nothing short of remarkable. As he prepares to showcase his skills in front of NFL scouts during Senior Bowl week in Mobile, all eyes will be on the Oregon quarterback. With a six-year collegiate career that spanned three different schools—UCF, Oklahoma, and now Oregon—Gabriel is ready to leave a lasting impression.
Gabriel’s college legacy on display
Gabriel’s helmet will be a testament to his diverse college experience, adorned with decals representing each of the institutions he has called home. This unique display not only symbolizes his journey but also highlights the significant impact he has made at each program. Over the course of his career, Gabriel has amassed an impressive 18,722 passing yards and 155 touchdowns, showcasing his ability to excel in various offensive systems.
Stellar statistics leading to Heisman recognition
In his final season, Gabriel put together his best statistical performance yet, leading the Big Ten with 3,857 yards and 30 touchdowns, completing an impressive 72.9% of his passes. This remarkable achievement placed him second nationally, just behind Colorado‘s Shedeur Sanders. Such numbers were instrumental in earning Gabriel a spot as a finalist for the 2024 Heisman Trophy, where he finished third in the voting, trailing only Colorado CB/WR Travis Hunter and Boise State RB Ashton Jeanty.
Heisman Trophy voting breakdown
Gabriel’s performance in the Heisman race was commendable, as he and Miami QB Cam Ward secured third and fourth place, respectively. Gabriel garnered 516 total points, while Ward followed with 229 points. The Top 5 was rounded out by Arizona State RB Cam Skattebo, who finished with 170 points. Notably, the 2024 Heisman voting included a diverse array of talent, with other notable players like Bryson Daily from Army and Kurtis Rourke from Indiana making the Top 10.
Chip Kelly’s endorsement of Gabriel
Amidst all the excitement surrounding Gabriel, Chip Kelly, the current offensive coordinator for Ohio State, has spoken highly of him. Kelly, who once attempted to recruit Gabriel to UCLA, recognized his talent early on. “I’m not surprised at the success Dillon has had,” Kelly remarked. He noted that Gabriel’s poise and accuracy have been evident since his high school days at Mililani in Hawaii, and his success at UCF, Oklahoma, and now Oregon has only solidified that perception.
Gabriel’s complete skillset
What makes Gabriel stand out among his peers? According to Kelly, it’s his calm demeanor and deep understanding of the game. “He doesn’t seem to get rattled too much,” Kelly explained, “and he’s really athletic, so if you take away some of his options in the passing game, he can beat you with his legs.” This versatility makes Gabriel a complete package, positioning him as one of the top quarterbacks in the nation.
Anticipation for the Senior Bowl
As Gabriel steps onto the field during Senior Bowl week, he carries with him the weight of expectations and the hopes of NFL scouts. His impressive stats and accolades have already set the stage, but this week will be crucial for him to further elevate his draft stock. The Senior Bowl serves as a key opportunity for players like Gabriel to demonstrate their skills in front of professional evaluators, and he is eager to make the most of it.
With a combination of experience, talent, and determination, Dillon Gabriel is poised to make a significant impact not only at the Senior Bowl but also in the NFL Draft. His journey through college football has been filled with challenges and triumphs, and as he prepares to embark on the next chapter of his career, fans and scouts alike will be watching closely. Will he continue to rise and solidify his status as a top quarterback? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain: Dillon Gabriel’s story is far from over.
