On the same day that the Oregon Ducks were ranked as the No. 3 team in the country in the preseason coaches poll, their new quarterback got a little love as well.
Dillon Gabriel, the transfer portal addition that will run the Ducks offense , was named as one of 50 players on the preseason Walter Camp Award watchlist. The Walter Camp Award is voted on each year and awarded to the college football player of the year.
Dillon Gabriel expected to break out with Oregon
Gabriel, in his first year at Oregon, is a big part of why Oregon is garnering the respect that they are. Last year's Ducks offense had plenty of playmakers and a system that produced the second-most points per game in the country, and they're expecting to bring the same high-flying energy to the field this fall.
Gabriel comes to Oregon already with a full resume, but lacking in significant hardware. He lefty is eighth in NCAA history in passing yards with 14,865, and in touchdown passes with 125. He took a big step forward last year with Oklahoma, completing 69.3% of his passes for 3,660 yards and 30 touchdowns.
Most notably last season, Gabriel orchestrated a game-winning drive against the No. 3 Texas Longhorns, standing tall on the road in hostile territory to deliver an end zone dime with pressure bearing down.
Offensive coordinator Will Stein is impressed with Gabriel's work this offseason
Oregon is fortunate to have Will Stein working as their Quarterbacks Coach and Offensive Coordinator. Last year, he got the most out of Bo Nix, having him well in the Heisman conversation and the Ducks on the verge of a CFP berth. This year, he has a new project in working with Gabriel, and he likes what he has seen.
"It's showing in practice and it showed in summer," Stein said of Gabriel's comfort level. "I think his leadership is really starting to show as well. He's becoming more vocal. The guys have really bought into him. The sky is the limit for him."
Stein also spoke about Gabriel holding what he called the DimeTime Retreat over the summer, bringing offensive playmakers together for some fun and team building.
"Anytime you're able to get a group of guys together and are able to throw the football around and have some some camaraderie, enjoy your time together, I think it just bonds you even more," Stein said. "Connection is our No. 1 DNA trait, and to me that was a prime example of what connection is on our team."
Gabriel's connection with his new playmakers is going to be crucial to the team's success this season. If he lives up to the hype, Gabriel and the Ducks could be well on their way to competing for a Big Ten Championship, as well as a national title.
Related: Oregon Ducks defense will look to dominate with stud offseason transfer portal additions
Follow along all year for more Oregon Ducks coverage on A to Z Sports. You can find me on X @JonHelmkamp , as well as follow our main page @AtoZSportsNFL for all the latest news.
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