Tag: dillon Gabriel

Can Jackson Arnold be the next great Oklahoma quarterback?

Being the quarterback at Oklahoma brings a lot of pressure and Jackson Arnold is ready to live up to the hype.

Being the starting quarterback at a blue-blood program brings a lot of pressure. Being the starting quarterback at a place like Oklahoma with all of its recent success is another animal all on its own.

That’s what [autotag]Jackson Arnold[/autotag] is stepping into. He’s following [autotag]Josh Heupel[/autotag], [autotag]Jason White[/autotag], [autotag]Sam Bradford[/autotag], [autotag]Landry Jones[/autotag], [autotag]Baker Mayfield[/autotag], [autotag]Kyler Murray[/autotag], [autotag]Jalen Hurts[/autotag] and [autotag]Dillon Gabriel[/autotag].

That doesn’t even include the guys pre-2000 or even guys like [autotag]Spencer Rattler[/autotag] and [autotag]Caleb Williams[/autotag]who were extremely talented but finished their careers elsewhere.

Arnold spoke about how much that played into his decision to come to Oklahoma.

“It definitely impacted my decision,” Arnold said. “Just knowing the caliber of QBs that came before me and just knowing that I wanted to be a part of that group really stood out to me. Being in the lineage of Heisman winners is obviously something I want to join and follow those footsteps. This is the place that I wanted to be.”

The thing for Arnold is for him not to try to be too much like them and let that pressure get to him. Instead, he just needs to be himself. That’s what earned him five-star status. It’s why the expectations are so high for Arnold.

He’s got all the talent in the world to be a successful college quarterback. But so much of what goes into playing the position goes beyond the scouting report or the box score. But early in his career, Jackson Arnold has shown he’s capable of overcoming adversity. He’s made up of the right stuff. 2024 is the season we see Arnold have a breakout year.

Contact/Follow us @SoonersWire on Twitter, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Oklahoma news, notes, and opinions. You can also follow Jaron on Twitter @JaronSpor.

Dante Moore opens up about decommitment from Oregon, transfer back to the Ducks

Oregon Ducks quarterback Dante Moore broke down his decision making when transferring from the UCLA Bruins to the Oregon Ducks.

Dan Lanning, Kenny Dillingham, and the Oregon Ducks were rolling with a full head of steam during the summer of 2022. They had just picked up a commitment from Dante Moore, the highest-rated quarterback to ever commit to the Ducks in the modern era. Getting ready for their first official season in Eugene, vibes were high up in Oregon.

Fast forward a few months, and that excitement around the quarterback position had changed slightly. After a successful season saw Dillingham leave the Ducks to take over as the head coach for the Arizona State Sun Devils, Moore announced that he would be decommitting from Oregon. Not long after, he announced his commitment to UCLA, joining Chip Kelly and the Bruins.

[lawrence-related id=59957]

Fast forward another year, and Moore was back in the transfer portal after a bumpy start to his career in Westwood. This time, he came back to Oregon, the place that he fell in love the first time around.

“Many people say there’s many reasons why I left but the real reason why is because Coach Dillingham left,” Moore said on Thursday after practice. “You know, as a quarterback, your OC needs to be your best friend and really at the end of the day when they hired Coach Stein, I didn’t know much of Coach Stein.”

Moore details that he talked with Oregon’s new offensive coordinator a bit before making his decision, but he ultimately felt like going to UCLA and joining Chip Kelly was the right decision.

Things didn’t go smoothly at UCLA, though, where Moore played in nine games, throwing for 11 touchdowns and 9 interceptions. After getting in and out of the starting lineup, Moore decided that it was time for a change of scenery after his freshman year, one that had a better chance to develop him.

“When I hit the portal, you know, I contacted Coach Lanning and he texted me back. I kind of knew where I was going already,” Moore said. “At the end of the day, out of high school, if things were right, I would have been here right now.”

Now, while Moore is competing with Gabriel for the starting QB spot, he says he feels happy to be where he feels like he belongs, around players who he helped recruit to Oregon when he was a commit.

“Just being out here, you get the best facilities in the world,” Moore said. “Got a great coaching staff. Best playmakers out here on the field. Just have everything around here.”

[lawrence-auto-related count=3]

Will Stein and his system helped bring Gabriel to Oregon

Oregon quarterback Dillon Gabriel says he was attracted to Will Stein’s system and proven track record in his transferring to Oregon from Oklahoma.

There’s a lot that goes into a college player’s decision-making when they enter the transfer portal. One of those decisions right off the bat is to whether or not go in the portal in the first place.

Once they do go into the portal, the road to another destination has some bumps have curves. It’s rarely smooth sailing. That wasn’t the case for new Oregon Ducks quarterback Dillon Gabriel. It seemed as if once he decided to leave Oklahoma, he had his bags packed for Eugene.

The Ducks success with players coming from the portal is one of the best out there. According to Gabriel, offensive coordinator Will Stein was a huge part of his decision to become an Oregon Duck.

“I think it’s the track record of what Coach (Stein) has been able to do at a bunch of different spots at a bunch of different levels as well, he said. “I also think proven concept, right? Being here and seeing all the guys who’ve done what they’ve done. Two 1,000-yard-plus receivers. The quarterback has thrown for 4,000 plus yards with 40-plus touchdowns. And also winning a bunch of games, which is the main thing.”

In his one season is Stein’s offense, Bo Nix’s numbers went up and he led the Ducks to an 11-2 record, including a Fiesta Bowl win over Liberty. It’s the kind of success Gabriel wants to duplicate or improve upon, if possible.

“When you look at the offensive side of the ball, it’s how you continue to be ahead of the chains and score a bunch of points,” Gabriel said. “They’ve been able to do that. That for me was intriguing.”

[lawrence-auto-related count=3]

Dillon Gabriel describes how Marcus Mariota helped in decision to transfer to Oregon

Just a couple of boys from Hawaii, Dillon Gabriel says Marcus Mariota had a huge role to play in his transfer to Oregon.

As soon as Dillon Gabriel entered the transfer portal last December, and the rumors of his transfer to Oregon started gaining traction, comparisons between he and Marcus Mariota, the greatest Oregon Ducks quarterback of all time, were drawn.

With all that Gabriel and Mariota have in common, it’s hard not to draw those parallels. Both are eager to run with the ball, but they’re equally comfortable and competent slinging it from inside the pocket. Both QBs are from the island of Oahu and grew up in towns less than an hour from one another. And of course, they both wear No. 8.

But while the comparisons are fun to draw, it’s important to remember Gabriel and Mariota are their own players. What’s more valuable is the relationship Gabriel and Mariota have fostered.

[lawrence-related id=59882]

After the Ducks practice on Tuesday, Gabriel spoke to media for the first time as an Oregon Duck, and he touched on what it was like to watch Mariota growing up and to have a relationship with him now.

“It was huge,” Gabriel said. “You know, someone you always look up to as a quarterback from Hawaii, that’s something we always watched. I loved turning on the TV and being able to watch him when I was younger, and now having obviously the relationship that we’ve had, and just being able to text back and forth. That’s something you know, as a little kid, I still smile and don’t ever take it for granted. So I’d say in the decision process it was just cool to kind of have that and being able to talk through it together.”

Mariota’s advice to Gabriel hasn’t been limited to what happens on the field. Gabriel mentioned that a lot of Mariota’s help has been about acclimating to a new school and city.

“Yeah. I think more on the lifestyle side, you know,” Gabriel said. “Our moms have connected and you know, they’re just a great family. So it’s been super helpful in terms of, you know, where to stay, what to do, and how to navigate food spots and stuff like that. So I think the little things like that help.”

There haven’t been many players to wear No. 8 since Mariota’s time as a Duck, so it will be hard not to see echoes of the former Heisman Trophy winner when Gabriel takes the field next fall. But the pressure of wearing No. 8 is something Gabriel welcomes.

“Yeah, I love it,” Gabriel said. “You know, it’s something that you want, and that’s why you come here. I think initially, wearing the No. 8, I think I didn’t want to in the sense that you know, I have so much respect for Marcus and what he’s done and you know that’s the guy I’ve always looked up to. But also being able to wear it’s even better so super excited for that.”

Throughout the offseason, Gabriel has been named as a candidate for the Heisman Trophy. Since Mariota won the award in 2014, Justin Herbert and Bo Nix have been in reach of the Heisman Trophy but have fallen short. Mariota is the only Heisman winner in Oregon’s history, so if Gabriel were to win it would do a lot for the Ducks’ program.

What will be on Gabriel’s mind far more next season than the Heisman Trophy is winning a national championship. As it stands, the 2024 Ducks are the best team Oregon has ever had on paper, so winning the last game of the season is an attainable goal.

[lawrence-auto-related count=3]

Dillon Gabriel explains why he chose the Oregon Ducks

“It was a no-brainer,” Dillon Gabriel said of his transfer to Oregon.

Just a few months ago, Oregon Duck fans watched as one of the most successful quarterbacks in recent school history walked off of the football field for the final time in a green and yellow uniform.

With Bo Nix leaving Eugene, it wasn’t exactly clear where the Ducks would go at the QB position in the future, but it was easy to see that the next guy up would have some massive shoes to fill.

Dillon Gabriel wanted to be that guy.

Back in early December, the former Oklahoma Sooners’ QB announced that he would be continuing his college career, but with a new school. He hopped into the transfer portal, and not long after, announced that he would be heading to Eugene.

“I knew the opportunity from talking to Coach Lanning, and kind of what it all presented, it really was a no-brainer,” Gabriel said on Tuesday after practice. “You know, with everyone coming back and just kind of knowing what was coming in as well, it was a no-brainer.”

As a Hawaii native, Gabriel has been enjoying life on the West Coast and says that the transition process has been pretty positive thus far, getting settled over the past couple of months.

“I love Eugene, I love the area,” Gabriel said. “It’s closer to home so I can’t complain and the adjustment period has been real. You know, being new to any place and kind of transferring, there’s the ebbs and flows that you learn and grow through. But you know, being where I’m at in my last year, it’s been super refreshing to be able to have that.”

With life at Oregon comes expectations, though. The Ducks are projected as a top-five team in 2024, with an assumption that they will compete for a Big Ten Championship and spot in the College Football Playoff. While Gabriel will try to lead them to that success, he will have to worry about trying to fill Nix’s shoes as well.

That’s something he is ready for.

“I’ve filled a bunch of shoes,” Gabriel said. “It’s the next quarterback up. It’s time, it’s ebbs and flows. You know, after me there’ll be another one. So, I’m just doing my part.”

Doing his part on a team that he grew up rooting for. Not much to dislike about that.

[lawrence-auto-related count=3]

Oregon QB Dillon Gabriel is making an impression on and off the field

Oregon wide receiver Tez Johnson says the Ducks newest QB is making a strong early impression.

If there’s one guy on the Oregon Ducks football team to assess how the newest Duck quarterback Dillon Gabriel is faring in the early going, it would be Tez Johnson.

The Oregon senior receiver was in Gabriel’s place this time last year when he transferred in from Troy. Although he had plenty of experience under his belt, he was still the new guy on the field trying to make a positive impression to everyone on and off the field.

Only in Johnson’s case, he was catching passes, not throwing them.

So when asked how his new quarterback was doing in his short time on campus, Johnson offered up this analysis on the former Oklahoma Sooner.

“He’s funny. Ya know, Dillon Gabriel is a total goofball,” Johnson said. “Like, he’s all for the team. He’s a goofy guy. He’s a kid in the locker room. But he’s also good people like when it’s time to put work in, you’re gonna put the work in. And we like that about a quarterback.”

There was no other player like Nix when it came to putting the work in and being good people. Gabriel certainly has some big cleats to fill, but from the sound of it, No. 8 is handling it like the cool customer he was billed as being.

[lawrence-auto-related count=3]

Tez Johnson and other Duck receivers adjusting to lefty QB

The ball comes out a bit differently from a lefty QB, but Tez Johnson says Oregon’s WRs are adjusting quickly.

You would think catching a football would be the exact same thing whether is was coming out of the right hand or the left hand, but those who watch baseball know the ball spins differently for a southpaw than it does for a traditional right-hander.

The same goes for a football and the Oregon Duck receivers are adjusting to the differences as the lefty Dillon Gabriel doesn’t spin it as Bo Nix did.

“The rotation is different, but it’s all pretty much just the same. When he (Gabriel) throws it, you just have to go up there and grab it,” Oregon senior receiver Tez Johnson said. “He throws a pretty good ball, though. You just have to know that on the right side, it’s going to drift away from us, and on the other side it’s going to drift towards us.”

It’s quite the adjustment, but this is why you have a month and a half of spring practices and fall camp later this year before the actual season begins. From the sounds of it, Gabriel’s passes are hitting their marks.

“It just takes a day or two, just a couple throws to be like ‘Oh okay,'” Johnson said. “More right-hand dominant than the left because the right-handed quarterbacks are gonna hit more on the left hand than the right.”

The Ducks won’t care which hand Gabriel’s passes hit, as long as they stick is all that matters.

[lawrence-auto-related count=3]

Brent Venables says Sooners quarterback room in best position since his arrival to Norman

“We’re in the best position that we’ve been in since we’ve been here.” Brent Venables likes what he sees from the Oklahoma Sooners quarterback group.

The last two years have been the [autotag]Dillon Gabriel[/autotag] show under center at the University of Oklahoma. But now we are heading into a new era, the [autotag]Jackson Arnold[/autotag] era.

The last time we saw Arnold in action, he had one month to prepare against a really good team with a new playcaller. He made some plays that made you say, “Wow” but he also made some plays that left you scratching your head. It was a very typical first start for a true freshman.

While most want to focus on the three interceptions, he also threw for 361 yards and two touchdowns and ran for 65 yards on five carries if you take out the sacks.

Now Arnold has an entire offseason to prepare to be the Sooners starter on their way into the SEC.

But it’s not just him that’s impressed the coaches this offseason. Brent Venables shared with the media what he’s seen from his group of gunslingers.

“The whole position is doing really good,” Venables said. “[autotag]Brendan Zurbrugg[/autotag] has gotten lots of reps, too. But between Jackson, Mike (Hawkins), Brendan, and (General) Booty, Casey’s (Thompson) taking every mental rep. He’s right there next to me when we’ve got the team settings. I feel great. We’re in the best position that we’ve been in since we’ve been here.”

That has coincided with a lot of what we’ve heard about how impressive Hawkins has been this spring. A lot of people were worried about the depth there because Arnold only has started one game and Thompson has the only real experience but is coming off an ACL injury.

Venables’ words say a lot about the quarterback situation. There’s a lot of talent there, and in just a few months, Arnold and the rest of the quarterbacks will have a chance to prove it.

Contact/Follow us @SoonersWire on Twitter, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Oklahoma news, notes, and opinions. You can also follow Jaron on Twitter @JaronSpor.

Dillon Gabriel ahead of the curve in terms of picking up Oregon offense

Dillon Gabriel’s experience at the college level is allowing him to pick up Oregon’s offense quickly.

It’s going to be strange to watch the Oregon Ducks football team take the field Aug. 31 to take on Idaho without quarterback Bo Nix leading the team.

In the third year of Dan Lanning’s tenure at Oregon, he has turned to senior transfer Dillon Gabriel for the 2024 season. Lanning is counting on the former Oklahoma signal caller’s past experience in Norman to pay dividends for the Ducks now.

But it all starts now in the spring.

“I just think more than anything, the way that he prepares has given Dillon an opportunity to really absorb a lot of this really quick with the walk-throughs that we’ve had,” Lanning said. “The time leading up to spring, us doing spring a little bit later than some teams, I think that’s allowed him to get ahead of the curve before he stepped out here. And then his experience speaks for itself, his poise and his ability to get guys to come do extra work with them I think is really paying off.”

Gabriel is at Oregon for just one season as he paves the way for Dante Moore and Austin Novosad, but his work ethic and the example he leaves could last for a long longer than Gabriel is actually there.

[lawrence-auto-related count=3]

Oklahoma Sooners Player Profile: Wide Receiver Nic Anderson

After a breakout season in 2023, can Sooners wide receiver Nic Anderson follow it up with another sensational season in 2024?

Evaluating the current roster, Sooners Wire profiles the current players, with wide receiver Nic Anderson up next.

Continue reading “Oklahoma Sooners Player Profile: Wide Receiver Nic Anderson”