Oregon quarterback Dillon Gabriel speaks about his exit from Oklahoma in light of comments made by Brent Venables.
Dillon Gabriel’s comments about his transfer from Oklahoma to Oregon shed light on his decision-making process and the context surrounding his departure. In a recent media session, Gabriel emphasized his happiness in Eugene, stating, “I’ve got a smile on my face every day… it’s people I still talk to on the team.” His sentiment suggests a positive adjustment to his new environment, aligning with Venables’ explanation that Gabriel was seeking a change after the departure of offensive coordinator Jeff Lebby and wanting to play closer to home in Hawaii.
Brent Venables defended Gabriel, clarifying that he was not pushed out due to the emergence of five-star freshman Jackson Arnold, but rather chose to leave to explore new opportunities. Venables mentioned Gabriel’s potential disappointment over NFL draft evaluations and confirmed that the quarterback communicated his intentions before the Alamo Bowl, which further indicates Gabriel’s proactive approach to his future.
Gabriel’s performance at Oregon has been strong, with 914 passing yards and six touchdowns in three games, showcasing his continued growth and capability as a sixth-year player. His comments reflect a focus on personal happiness and control over his career path, which seems to resonate well with his current situation at Oregon.
