Video: Dillon Gabriel tells all in exclusive interview
It’s been a crazy few weeks for former OU quarterback Dillon Gabriel. From finishing the season with a win over TCU to entering the transfer portal and heading to Oregon, he’s had his hands full.
That’s why he joined SoonerScoop.com’s YouTube channel to break it all down with Eddie Radosevich and George Stoia. He talked with the Scoop crew about everything — why he entered the transfer portal, if he would play in the Alamo Bowl, how Jackson Arnold will fare as OU’s starting quarterback, his thoughts on Seth Littrell and his feelings for the Oklahoma fanbase.
Here are some of the highlights.
His conversation with Brent Venables
Gabriel spoke with coach Brent Venables before entering the portal. He saw the writing on the wall.
“I had full intentions on going to the NFL after this year,” Gabriel said. “And I realized it wasn’t the draft grade that I thought it would be and also not getting invited to the Reese’s Senior Bowl… I know coach BV and their program, going in the younger direction — I believe that is the new era heading into the SEC. I just think it was a great conversation. And I respect coach BV so much and love him to death.”
His thoughts on Jackson Arnold
Gabriel and Arnold have grown close this past year. And Gabriel expects the freshman to be great.
“I think he’s ready for it,” Gabriel said. “I think he’s been really good at preparing. Trusts his arm. Trusts what he does and his process. And I think he’s had that whole year to learn that.”
His next journey at Oregon
Gabriel is excited to be a duck, knowing it’s a great place to finish his career.
“I think a lot went into the decision,” Gabriel said. “It’s crazy because leaving OU is hard. The relationships and the people I’ve met… It was the goodbyes, the hellos… There was a couple places I was looking at… Yes, I talked to coach (Jeff) Lebby… But I looked at three things. The ability to win a national championship, the surrounding pieces around you and offensive fit.”
