The Oregon Ducks found themselves in a position of needed to replace Heisman finalist and future NFL player Bo Nix, having found their starting quarterback from the transfer portal last year, it looks like the Oregon Ducks are going down the same route this year again.
Oregon Ducks New Starting Quarterback
To some, it was a surprise to see Dillon Gabriel announce his intention to test the waters outside of Oklahoma. The Hawaii native had originally played on the UCF roster, had transferred to Norman Oklahoma under Brent Vernables. He had elected then to go to the Sooners over UCLA.
When he made his decision to enter the transfer portal again he could have had his pick of destinations, as any program would have loved to be able to call an offense with his services. With the wide open landscape of vacant quarterback a number of destinations were in the mix to land Gabriel, including a possible former with with the Bruins, or a stop in LSU to replace a different Heisman finalist.
Oregon Ducks Final Decision
Ultimately, for his last year he decided to come to Eugene Oregon and play for the Oregon Ducks. It makes sense for Dillon Gabriel who is coming off of a strong year. With a lot of factors to consider, one is joining a strong contender, to not only stack up personal accolades and stats, but to make a deep post season run.
The Oregon Ducks were ranked in the top ten in scoring on offense, and scoring allowed, on defense. In a stronger than anticipated Pac-10, their pedigree will only be enhanced in a Big Ten that their style of play should enable a smoother transition than some of their more offensively focused west coast teams.
If he is able to pull off a conference championship, or strong showing in the 16 team college playoffs as a member of the Oregon Ducks in a new conference, then he will solidify his prospects as a top potential draft pick for next year.
Oregon Ducks Dillon Gabriel
As a southpaw from Hawaii with his build, of course comparisons have been drawn to Miami Dolphins Tua Tagovailoa. And from here the similarities continue.
Gabriel has a strong pocket presence and is a good pocket passer, able to make deep, accurate throws, while also good at going through his progressions and just making the right play. While not a scrambling quarterback or a run first player, he is athletic enough and more than capable to escape when pressure comes, and make plays with his feet. This past season at Oklahoma a threw for 3,660 yards, 30 touchdowns, and only six interceptions. While holding the fourth highest QBR of 87.3.
One of his more impressive performances came against the Texas Longhorns, in the Red River Rivalry. In a 34-30 win, This was one of the performances in which he displayed all of his skillset. He made plays with his feet, as the Texas Longhorn pass rush was getting through. He ran for a high 14 times, for 113 yards and a rushing score. For anyone that is worried about his size, he showed his toughness and composure in the Sooners victory. While also throwing 23 for 38 on 285 yards, and another score.
The Oregon Ducks have a proven resilient winner, and have to be included in the championship discussion for next year with this latest transfer of Dillon Gabriel to the Oregon Ducks.