[autotag]Dillon Gabriel[/autotag]’s first season in Norman was a solid season for the gunslinger. He had some really good moments.
He missed a game and a half when he was concussed against TCU, forcing him to also miss the Texas game. In his absence the [autotag]Oklahoma Sooners[/autotag]’ offense couldn’t move the ball at all. Even without those two games, he put up good numbers. He threw for 3,168 yards, 25 touchdowns, and six interceptions and completed 62.7% of his passes.
That last stat is the key stat. 62.7% is a decent number. A combination of missed throws and dropped passes kept that completion percentage, and his production last year, from being better.
Sometimes we have to remember it was his first year in Norman as well. Gabriel admits he feels more comfortable this offseason compared to last season.
“It’s kind of like when you get a girlfriend,” Gabriel said. “For three months you are still learning each other, and when you get to that year, year and a half, you start loosening up and get to know them more.”
The chemistry between a quarterback and a wide receiver is huge. The quarterback can play with better anticipation when he better understands how the wide receiver operates and vice versa.
“With our relationship on and off the field, just being around them more (helps),” Gabriel said of his teammates. “Knowing how we communicate, certain routes they like and how to throw them. … I think with time, that can only benefit everyone.”
Gabriel said there’s only one expectation for this upcoming season. “Just winning football games,” Gabriel said. “That’s all that matters. Going each game at a time, taking care of business, and then letting the rest take care of itself.
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