UCF’s Gabriel turns into threat
QB shows he’s more than just a strong arm with running ability.
The UCF vs. USF game was not completed in time for this edition. Read the late game story in our e-edition at OrlandoSentinel.com/ late or on our website.
All season long, UCF quarterback Dillon Gabriel has showcased a strong arm that has made him one of the top young passers in college football. But if there was an aspect of his game that drew early criticism, it was his ability to run with the football.
That changed last weekend when the true freshman managed a career high 58 rushing yards while leading the Knights to a 34-31 win over Tulane. It was the first time this season, he led the team in rushing.
“I think he’s done a better job week-in and week-out of taking what people give him,” UCF quarterbacks coach Jeff Lebby said. “I think people don’t really understand that he can do it and he’s finding out that he’s becoming more willing to do it. He did a good job. There were some huge conversions and some big plays that he made with his feet.”
UCF coach Josh Heupel added, “I thought he did a really good job when it wasn’t there of scrambling and making a play.”
Gabriel was averaging just under a yard per carry entering Friday night’s matchup with USF. His average would be higher if not for the fact he’s been sacked 20 times for a loss of 116 yards.
His 48 rushing yards this season, which includes yards lost due to sacks, is the lowest rushing total by a UCF starting quarterback since 2009.
“He has made more plays with his feet over the last four weeks than the first six or seven weeks of the season but again, he’s taking what people are giving us and that’s what we’re going to do,” Lebby said.
Through the first seven games of the season, Gabriel had negative-12 yards on 31 carries. During the last four games entering the USF matchup, the freshman has rushed for 60 yards on 27 carries.
“Shoot, whatever it takes,” Gabriel said of this ability to run with the football.