Brent Venables discusses benefits of quarterback depth with Dillon Gabriel, Jackson Arnold at Oklahoma

A year removed from a turbulent, trial-filled first season, Oklahoma head coach Brent Venables is feeling confident about the improvements in the program ahead of Year 2. And much of that has to do with a deeper, improved quarterback room featuring Dillon Gabriel and freshman Jackson Arnold.

On top of returning 2022 starter and highly productive passer Gabriel, the Sooners inked one of the top quarterbacks in the 2023 signing class, Arnold, out of Denton, Texas. Having Gabriel back to take the reins with Arnold waiting in the wings is a nice place to be for Venables and Co.

“One, with having Dillon with another year of experience. And then again, all the quarterbacks but in particular Jackson Arnold, had a fantastic spring,” Venables said at Big 12 Media Days on Thursday. “What I love about Jackson, he comes to work, he’s competitive as all get out. He’s not going to take a back seat to anybody. But he’s got great humility. Understanding that a wise man can learn from others. And so Dillon’s been a great mentor to Jackson and he’s got great, great work ethic and got a great future in front of him as well.”

Gabriel, despite missing a game in 2022, was still one of the leading passers in the conference. He threw for more than 3000 yards and tossed 25 touchdowns and six interceptions.

His completion percentage of 62.7% needs some polish, a point Venables highlighted. But overall, the head coach is encouraged by Gabriel heading into Year 2.

“One of the best quarterbacks in college football last year,” Venables said. “But he’ll be the first one to tell you that he’s gotta become more efficient. He’s got to become a more accurate passer, consistently. Make better decisions. He’s gotta create the sense of urgency with everybody. He’s been one of the most consistent, hard working humble guys that we’ve had in our program over the last 17, 18 months. And he’ll bring out the best in the guys around him. But he’s got great hunger. He’s got a great edge. And our team, they love him. He’s an easy guy to follow.”

And the rising tide lifting boats for Gabriel and Arnold in the quarterback room isn’t only helping there.

Venables thinks the improvements in depth and ability among the quarterbacks is reflective of what’s happening up and down the roster.

“I think that that’s a reflection also of what has happened at virtually every other position on our team. Where we are this year from a competitive depth, which leads to competitive stamina — I just talked about the fourth quarter, not playing particularly well in the fourth quarter all season long. And the depth there. We’re in a much different situation,” Venables said.