QB Rankings: Dillon Gabriel

January 21, 2022 CFB Saturdays Staff

With the season underway players have had the opportunity to raise their stock and move up the rankings. Before we jump into Dillon Gabriel, here’s a few reminders about the rankings themselves:

The rankings will be updated throughout the season.
Players who have not played college football are not eligible for the rankings.
Players are graded on their college ability, not their pro potential.
We are judging players on their film, production and physical tools.

You can view the College Football QB Rankings here.

New Oklahoma quarterback, Dillon Gabriel was a prolific passer his first two years at UCF and appeared to headed for another big season in 2021. Unfortunately, his junior season was cut short just three games in during a 42 – 35 loss to Louisville. Through three games Gabriel completed 69 percent of his passes and averaged 8 yards per attempt with 9 touchdowns against 3 interceptions. Gabriel decided to enter the transfer portal rather than return to UCF and appeared to be headed to UCLA before changing his mind and transferring to Oklahoma. He is a proven quarterback who has always been able to make explosive plays for the offense.

Gabriel is an excellent downfield passer who throws a good deep ball. He has the arm strength to get the ball downfield, but also shows the advanced touch and ball placement to allow his receivers to make the play. Gabriel does a good job of not being too perfect and overthrowing the receiver when he is open, but also places the ball well when the receiver is covered. He is able to throw receivers open in one on one situations by putting the ball where the defender cannot make the play. Gabriel’s ability to get the ball downfield keeps constant pressure on the defense, forcing the defense to cover the entire field.

Gabriel’s deep passing ability creates space underneath, where his accuracy helps him to pick the defense apart. He has the ability to fire the ball into tight coverage underneath and put it where only his receiver can make the catch. That accuracy is a strength when Gabriel is in the pocket or when he is throwing on the move, making off-platform throws. He beats man coverage even when his receivers do not have great separation and is able to place the ball in the open windows in zone coverage. Gabriel has the talent to move the ball up and down the field with ease through the passing game, beating the defense wherever they are vulnerable.

Dillon Gabriel has three years of performance under his belt and will look to build on that in a new offense in 2022. He is a talented passer who has the ability to stretch the defense and precision to beat it underneath. Gabriel is also a good athlete who can move around in the pocket and pickup needed yardage with his feet. He is a proven commodity at quarterback and will give Oklahoma a star to lead their offense into a new era.

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