Dillon Gabriel Talks Long Layoff, Heisman Trophy

Oregon Ducks quarterback Dillon Gabriel spoke with media Wednesday and addressed Oregon’s long layoff, his Heisman ballot, and more. Below are the most notable questions and quotes from Gabriel’s availability as well as my thoughts at the end.

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On appreciating the situation he’s in:

“I’m just glad I got to represent our guys, you look at a body of work as a unit and appreciate all that goes into it. I’ve met a lot of great people and had a lot of great conversations so I’m grateful to be a part of that.”

On the benefits of a first-round bye:

“Getting everyone back has been important. Getting everyone reps as well, you tend to deal with what’s urgent and now we’re able to peel everything back and self-scout.”

“Getting a head start (on prep) as well, we have a great schedule that keeps us in football shape but also doesn’t kill us so it’s been really good and refreshing.”

On balancing staying in shape and staying healthy:

“Being super intentional with our reps. Coach (Dan Lanning) does a good job of knowing when to get our work in or when to approach practice a little differently and it’s helped us a bunch.”

“It’s a balance that everyone’s trying to find and as a player I known we’ve found that.”

On offensive lineman Dave Iuli‘s impact this year:

“Him being here has helped him plug and play. You just see a guy who’s continuing to fight and I appreciate that as a player.”

“He came in mid-season when we needed him and just executed reliably. He’s flourishing into his own in this time and seeing how he can get better so I’m grateful for him and his contribution to what we do offensively.”

On balancing appreciation of the Rose Bowl with staying focused:

“That’s the hard part. We do live life outside of this building too.”

“I think it’s actually more of a positive that we’re spending more time together but for the most part bowls are fun and we know what’s at stake. We’ll get our work in and be just fine.”

On his personal Heisman Trophy ballot:

“You don’t want to know. Truth is, it is what it is. I’m not chasing (accolades) but you have to understand the illusion that’s created and the external opinions that have nothing to do with what I want to accomplish.”

“If I wanted individual awards I would’ve played tennis. I’m chasing wins and I know what I’m not chasing.”

On working with Offensive Coordinator Will Stein:

“As I’ve gotten older I’ve appreciated different experiences and different coaches, learning more. You can think you know it all and how football is and as I’ve gained new experiences you just appreciate the different styles of football and how you can grow in so many ways.”

“I’ve never been in the pros but this is the closest group I’ve been around. Making it our own thing has led to ownership and doing it the right way.”

On Jaron Keawe-Sagapolutele‘s signing:

“I’m so happy for him. I purposely didn’t want to talk to him much because I want the best decision for him.”

“All I told him was that he’ll be living it every day so make sure you’ll be happy with your decision and I thought highly of him but when I saw him in person, that dude can sling.”

“I’m a little biased with him being a lefty but he can sling it with the best of them. I’m proud of him and I think there’s maybe a little pipeline starting.”

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Linden’s Take:

You hear a lot about balancing acts in this interview. No surprise.

The Ducks have been put in a position where they must wait an inordinately long time between games and while it allows for adequate rest, there’s time to get sloppy as well.

Gabriel repeatedly cites Oregon’s culture being a key element in not becoming complacent which closely mirrors what we’ve heard from other players. Gabriel’s leadership will be vital if the Ducks hope to stay locked in from now until the Rose Bowl.

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