Oregon Quarterback Dillon Gabriel Ready to Inspire Others at Manning Camp

University of Oregon quarterback Dillon Gabriel is a pay-it-forward thinker.

He grew up in Mililani and attended University of Hawaii football games. “There’s nothing like going to Aloha Stadium, tailgating, going to the Kids Fun Zone, and then getting into that (football) atmosphere,” Gabriel recalled.

As a developing quarterback, he took inspiration from Colt Brennan, Marcus Mariota and his father. Garrett Gabriel was a standout UH quarterback who led the Rainbow Warriors to a rout of BYU in 1989 and 1990.

“I got to watch my dad on tape, someone I really looked up to,” said Gabriel, born a decade after his father finished his career at UH. “Just having that (inspiration) in my own home is something I never took for granted. I always thought it was something special.

Gabriel also recalled following fellow left-handed quarterback Sean Schroeder, who played two seasons for the Rainbow Warriors. Gabriel attended Schroeder’s 808 Passing Academy camps.

Now, Gabriel, who is a top contender for the Heisman Trophy in the preseason, is dedicated to helping others. For the past four years, he has donated uniforms and equipment to Mililani High School. Last week, he worked as a counselor at the Elite 11 quarterback camp in Manhattan Beach, California.

Today he arrives in Thibodaux, Louisiana, where he will be among 47 top college quarterbacks (including Hawaii’s Brayden Schager) serving as camp counselors at the Manning Passing Academy. Retired Super Bowl champion quarterbacks Peyton Manning and Eli Manning are among the co-founders and directors of this camp for seventh through twelfth graders. Groups will be formed based on position (quarterbacks, receivers, running backs, tight ends) and age. The Manning brothers will work their way through each of the groups during the four-day camp that runs through Sunday.

“It’s a privilege to be invited,” said Gabriel, who previously worked at the camp when he played for Central Florida in 2021. “Just being around a lot of people who love football, it’s is always nice.”

Scheduling conflicts prevented Gabriel from serving as a counselor while he was at Oklahoma the past two seasons. But Gabriel eagerly embraced the opportunity to return as a counselor.

“In my past experiences, whether it’s the throwing sessions with Peyton and Eli or the experience with the team that you’re coaching and being around, it’s just a lot of fun,” Gabriel said. “You spend those three days together (on the field) where you continue to build that relationship and be around a group of guys who play at the same level and go through similar challenges, but also enjoy and reap the benefits of college football. It’s all encompassing. … I think we can all learn from each other. You’re never too old to learn.

After producing 42 touchdowns against six interceptions for Oklahoma last year, Gabriel entered the transfer portal. He chose Oregon for his COVID-waive season.

Gabriel bonded with his teammates, especially the receivers, during spring training and the offseason program. He’s also unfazed by success for Bo Nix, the Denver Broncos’ first-round pick two months ago, or the expectations placed on the Ducks.

“I know I’m extremely confident in my abilities,” Gabriel said. “Part of the reason I came here was because of this national caliber team. And just being able to be in those important moments. You want to play these big games. You want to be part of it. … I think the people before us have done a great job of continuing to play at a high level. It’s our job to continue this tradition. I’m really excited to do it with this group of guys. I think there is a very clear vision of what we want to do. And that’s what got me excited about coming here.

Gabriel said he was unable to attend the U.S. Olympic track and field trials this week at Hayward Field on the Ducks’ campus. But he’s looking forward to the Sept. 14 “rivalry game” against Oregon State.

“Everyone is excited,” Gabriel said. “I think that’s what makes college football college football. It’s the exciting rivalries, the games that matter a little more, and just being a part of those games. I have always played many rivalry games. They are super fun and exciting. I can’t wait to play the (rivalry game). I can add this to the to-do list.