Dillon Gabriel reveals favorite part of first start in Norman

Oklahoma quarterback Dillon Gabriel made his first start for the Sooners this past weekend as they defeated UTEP 45-13. It was a memorable day for Gabriel and the Sooners, and he revealed his favorite part of his first game in Norman following their win.

“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.

Gabriel transferred to Oklahoma from UCF, where he played three seasons for the Knights before suffering a season-ending injury, breaking his clavicle in the third game of the 2021 season on a multi-lateral attempt at a miracle touchdown on the last play of the game versus Louisville. Gabriel’s start in Norman this weekend was his first time playing since that injury, as he clearly showed gratitude and appreciation for suiting up yet again.

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Gabriel’s favorite moment may have been putting on that Sooner uniform, but he also had a memorable game in his new threads. Gabriel threw for 233 yards and two touchdowns in his debut, while also tacking on six rushes for 20 yards on the ground and a rushing touchdown.

The Sooners are looking to put themselves back into the Big 12 Championship and College Football Playoff conversation this season under new head coach Brent Venables, and if Gabriel keeps up his impressive play they may do just that.

Brent Venables lights up when talking about Gavin Freeman, season-opening performance

Oklahoma‘s season-opening 45-13 victory over UTEP was full of explosive offensive plays, but none may be more special than true freshman walk-on wide receiver Gavin Freeman‘s touchdown in the first quarter of the game. Head coach Brent Venables spoke after the game about Freeman’s heroics.

“How about Gavin Freeman, we’ve been talking him up, first touch of his collegiate career touchdown. Isn’t that great? Like isn’t that a great story? That’s like a great story,” Venables said.

A reporter asked Venables about Freeman’s story, as he chose to bet on himself and walk on to Oklahoma and play for the Sooners just like his father Jason Freeman did.

“What a great was to say it, he chose to bet on himself. He had opportunities to go to a lot of spots and I loved he’s been super low maintenance, really humble,” Venables said. “But he’s wide open every day and he’s fearless. You saw that play somebody about put him together like an accordion out there they hit him so hard and he just bounced right off, stiff-armed another dude and then a couple series later he’s down running down on the kickoff team.”

Freeman received offers from Air Force, Tulsa, and Texas Tech, and was actually committed to the Red Raiders before flipping to Oklahoma to walk on. Freeman stands at 5-foot-8, 173 pounds according to Oklahoma’s roster, and it seems like whatever he lacks in size he makes up for in heart and effort. Freeman broke a multitude of tackles on his way to the end zone on his 46 yard reverse play scamper, and hopefully for him and the Sooners, he can continue to make big plays this season.

“He’s a special dude, I’m really excited to see where he goes, but thankful for him believing and betting on himself for sure,” Venables said.