Expectations high for Gabriel
Heupel expects a ton of growth in Year 2 from his starting quarterback
Dillon Gabriel burst onto the college football scene last season, setting UCF records for a true freshman quarterback. The southpaw went from a virtual unknown to a household name after earning the starting job during the second game of the 2019 season.
As Gabriel prepares for his second season, there’s plenty of room for improvement.
“Year 1 to Year 2 for a quarterback, there’s a ton of growth,” UCF coach Josh Heupel said Thursday. “There is every year, but there’s a ton of growth there that can happen.”
Gabriel set the school’s singleseason record for passing yards with 3,653 while throwing 29 touchdown passes and seven interceptions. He led the Knights to a 10-3 mark. Gabriel earned Offensive Most Valuable Player of the Gasparilla Bowl after passing for 260 yards and earning three touchdowns during the Knights’ 48-25 win over Marshall.
“He had a really good grasp of what we’re doing, but just complete knowledge and control over what’s going on,” Heupel said. “His ability to check at the line of scrimmage when the play’s not right, to understand those checks and to get us into a good play and to change protections. It changes what you’re able to do offensively when your quarterback has that kind of command because he can get you out of the bad situations.
“Year 1 as a play caller, you’re trying to protect him a little bit. We’re ultimately still really aggressive but you want to make sure you put him in advantageous situations and try to allow him to feel comfortable.”
“I think that’s been the biggest thing for him is just complete command of what we’re doing.”
— UCF coach Josh Heupel
The coronavirus pandemic cut short the team’s spring camp, sending players and coaches home for three months. Gabriel flew back to Hawaii, where he trained with his father during the summer before returning to the UCF campus in June. Ten practices into fall camp, Heupel said he is already seeing the growth and maturity he expected from Gabriel.
“I think that’s been the biggest thing for him is just complete command of what we’re doing,” Heupel said. “[From the] recognition of defenses, to understanding protections, to understanding route scheme. Where and why we’re trying to attack. The understanding of why is the huge difference for him.”
Transfers arrive
Transfers Divaad Wilson (Georgia), Jaiden Francois (Nebraska), Dionte Marks (Florida) and R.J. Harvey (Virginia) received clearance to play, with everyone except Marks practicing, according to Heupel.
“Jaiden Francois is getting comfortable with what we’re doing on the defensive side and special teams,” Heupel said. “There’s a lot of growth that must happen quick. Think about all the meetings the rest of our units and position groups have had. There’s a lot to catch up to quickly.
“R.J. Harvey has come in with a great attitude and demeanor while playing the running back position truly and exclusively for the first time in his career. There’s a ton of growth there but I like what he’s doing.”
Etc.
UCF has scheduled a scrimmage for Saturday as the Knights continue to prepare for their season opener against Georgia Tech on Sept. 19.