The biggest moves of the off-season came at the quarterback position for the Oklahoma Sooners. Spencer Rattler and Caleb Williams transferred out, but the Sooners weren’t left without a plan as Dillon Gabriel committed to OU soon after Williams transfer decision.
Bringing on Gabriel, coupled with the new coaching staff and several other transfer additions, is what has many thinking the Sooners are right back to where they were a year ago; favorites in the Big 12.
Over at ESPN, they had a round table discussion on several topics, but asked the question, “which quarterback will breakout this season?” Mark Schlabach of ESPN, chose Dillon Gabriel.
The move makes a ton of sense for both sides. Gabriel threw for more than 7,000 yards with 61 touchdowns and 11 interceptions in two seasons at UCF in 2019 and 2020 (he missed much of 2021 with a broken clavicle). New Oklahoma offensive coordinator Jeff Lebby was the architect of UCF’s offense in 2019, so it should be a very fruitful reunion. – Schlabach ESPN
One could make the argument that Dillon Gabriel has already experienced his “breakout.” The experience is there and the production is too. At the same time, he’s not quite the household name that quarterbacks like Bryce Young, C.J.Stroud, and to a lesser extent Caleb Williams are. The Sooners are still being slept on nationally because of the perceived drop off in quarterback talent. Right or wrong, that’s the perception.
But coming from UCF to play for the Oklahoma Sooners, Gabriel has a chance to assert himself as one of the best quarterbacks in college football. Reuniting with Jeff Lebby on a team that has a good group of wide receivers, a dynamic pass catching running back (Eric Gray), and an experienced tight end ready to breakout himself (Brayden Willis), Gabriel is set up to shine in 2022.
Gabriel has an opportunity to make a name for himself in 2022. Though the Big 12 will represent a step up in competition, he’s got the attitude and the ability to carry over his past production in a league that’s gotten more defensive over the last couple of years.
As OU looks to recapture it’s Big 12 throne from the Baylor Bears, Dillon Gabriel will be a big reason why the Sooners are Big 12 and national contenders.
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