Dillon Gabriel explains relationship with his father, the origin of his first name

Dillon Gabriel, who transferred from UCF to Oklahoma to be the Sooners’ starting quarterback, met with the media after practice. A star quarterback who is expected to compete for the Heisman Trophy in 2022, Gabriel comes from a football family. That family, which is a tight-knit group, has been incredibly important to Gabriel’s career.

Dillon Gabriel’s father, Garrett Gabriel, was a quarterback too. He played at Hawaii during the late 1980s and early 1990s. There, he led the Rainbow Warriors to plenty of on-field success and acclaim. He is still seventh all-time in passing at Hawaii and fifth in touchdown passes, despite playing before the run-and-shoot came to the program. While speaking to the media, Gabriel was asked if he still gets critiques from his dad.

“Yeah, I think he’s definitely, you know, backed off a little bit just because he hasn’t been in it, obviously,” Dillon Gabriel said.

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“But, he’s just my dad. He loves football. We always talk football together and [he’s] just always pushing me to be my best self, and I love that about him and I need someone in my life like that and I’m so grateful I have him.”

Later, Dillon Gabriel was asked if he grew up a Corey Dillon fan. Corey Dillon, a former NFL running back, is actually who Gabriel was named after.

“Honestly, I never knew, just being so young, I never got to watch him play or watch anything. But, I know the history of being named after Corey Dillon and my brothers Garrison and Roman–Roman Gabriel, obviously. So, just kind of a football family thing,” Dillon Gabriel smiled.

Dillon Gabriel’s favorite part of his first start at OU

A three-year starter at UCF, Dillon Gabriel has long since proven that he can handle the pressure of being a starting quarterback. Still, Oklahoma represents a new challenge to be excited about. He explained what his favorite part of that first start in Norman was.

“Suiting up in the Sooner uniform. I know it’s something that holds a huge responsibility on my end, I’m just super humbled to be able to do something. So it’s another opportunity just stepping back on the field was a great feeling and just overall like I said, this will be a day I never forget,” Gabriel said.