Dillon Gabriel has been a focal point in the college football world, leading the Oregon Ducks to an impressive 13-0 record. As a Heisman hopeful, Gabriel has consistently displayed his exceptional skills, contributing significantly to the Ducks’ dominance. Under head coach Dan Lanning, the team recently secured a massive win in the Big Ten Championship against Penn State, keeping their undefeated record intact. With the Rose Bowl approaching, Gabriel is expected to shine once again. But where does his passion and relentless drive stem from? The answer lies in his father, Garret Gabriel, a former quarterback at Hawaii, whose legacy is deeply ingrained in Dillon’s journey.
Gabriel’s performance this season has been nothing short of extraordinary. The quarterback completed 73.2% of his passes for 3,558 yards, throwing 28 touchdowns with only six interceptions. His remarkable consistency has been instrumental in Oregon’s success. However, Dillon is not walking this path alone. His father has played a significant role as both a motivator and a critic, shaping Dillon’s approach to the game.
In a candid interview, Gabriel expressed his gratitude for his father’s influence, saying, “When I was a kid, even to this day, the conversations, not only as a coach but as a father, have always been about finding balance. From a young age, he demanded excellence from me, and it’s always been a positive thing. That discipline helped me learn how to work hard from a very young age.”
Dillon Gabriel’s journey to Oregon has been a unique one. After stints at UCF and Oklahoma, he brought his talent to the Ducks, making a significant impact at every step. His father’s own legacy as a quarterback for Hawaii in the late 1980s and early 1990s served as a guiding light. Garret Gabriel was a key figure in Hawaii’s high-powered offense and still ranks seventh all-time in passing yards and fifth in touchdown passes for the program. This background provided Dillon with a solid foundation and a roadmap for success.
Reflecting on his father’s influence, Dillon said, “We’ve always had goals that we set when I was younger, and now I’m achieving them. My dad has been with me on this journey, reminding me of those goals and pushing me to stay focused. It’s been an incredible experience, and we enjoy every moment of it.”
Interestingly, Dillon’s first name also holds significance. He was named after former Cincinnati Bengals running back Corey Dillon, a player who inspired his father during his playing career. Garret Gabriel always envisioned his son achieving greatness in football, and Dillon has certainly lived up to that expectation. Despite not knowing much about Corey Dillon’s career during his childhood, Dillon acknowledged the deep football roots in his family, noting that his brothers are also named after prominent figures in the sport.
Looking ahead, Dillon Gabriel has his sights set on the Rose Bowl on January 1st. While he may not yet be considered the greatest quarterback in Oregon history, his momentum and dedication suggest that he could one day surpass the legacy of Marcus Mariota. With his father’s unwavering support and his own drive for excellence, Gabriel continues to exceed expectations, carving out his place in college football history.