Dillon Gabriel may only be a true freshman, but he's squarely in the mix to earn UCF's starting quarterback job.
Though he's only been on campus since January, the Hawaii native quickly earned praise from coaches and teammates for his natural ability to play the position and his spot-on accuracy throwing the ball, which may be the best among the three players vying for the job.
Gabriel and UCF's other quarterbacks met with the media following the first practice on Wednesday.
The fact Gabriel could be ready to challenge for playing time stems from his decision to enroll early. He chose UCF last December over offers from Georgia and USC, among others.
"It's probably the biggest thing that helped me for sure," Gabriel said. "Coming in, knowing the offense and getting acclimated to the guys. It was huge."
He took summer as an opportunity to further prepare.
"It was huge," Gabriel said. "You've got to be in there day in and day out. Every day, just getting myself more comfortable. Spring was a good first step, but I had to see what I was going to do with that first step. Was I going to sit back and relax or continue and keep pushing?"
In addition to the team-mandated workouts, Gabriel was in the facility nearly every day either on his own or putting in time with his teammates.
"The player-led practices are very important," Gabriel said. "Getting the timing down with receivers. Getting extra film in alone. Getting used to the offense. Making sure your reads are down. Just being ready... I tried to be in there as much as I can."
What is his excitement level entering the preseason?
"Super stoked," he said. "It's my first training camp. Just excited to run out there with the guys. I actually know what I'm doing. I've got a feel for it. I'm super excited."
Head coach Josh Heupel noted Gabriel was "consistent" throughout the entire practice and has commented often about his confidence level and accuracy. How did Gabriel think he did?
"The energy level was up there," he said. "I felt comfortable with the plays, comfortable with the footwork in general and comfortable with the offense."
The prevailing thought might be that experienced grad transfer Brandon Wimbush would be the safe choice to carry the torch until Gabrel or Quadry Jones are caught up to speed, but Gabriel doesn't look at it that way.
"I'm ready," he said. "I think I have that confidence. Like I said, it's up to the coaches. I just know if it's Aug. 29 and my name is called, I'll be ready."
