UCF QB Dillon Gabriel’s family makes the trip from Hawaii to cheer on Knights in opener
A cheer erupted from Dori Gabriel as she welcomed the UCF players, many of whom reciprocated with a smile or wave, during the team’s Knight Walk. After a few moments, one player in particular broke away from the pack to greet her.
The steely gaze on Dillon Gabriel’s face melted a bit as he gave his mother a hug. Then he embraced his father, Garrett, giving him a wink before saying hello to the rest of his family before rejoining his teammates.
The Gabriels were in full force, making the trip from Mililani, Hawaii, this week to take in the season-opener against Boise State at the Bounce House Thursday night.
“It means everything,” said Dori Gabriel. “We were counting down the days from 200 and whatever and even down to Day 8 and we just can’t wait. We live for this.
“We know how important it is for Dillon and his team and UCF so we’re so blessed to be able to be here.”
Added Garrett, “With the changes in head coaches and the way things panned out, this is a meaningful game and you don’t know how it’s going to pan out. We’re starting with a new regime and we know how passionate the people at UCF are and we’re basically the same way being from Hawaii. We’re proud of our son but also the UCF football team.”
Gus Malzahn’s arrival as the coach in February created a buzz, and few people have been as vocal in their support as the Knights’ quarterback.
“As his mom, I can say he’s just a passionate guy,” Dori Gabriel said. “So he loves and recognizes passion. He sees that in Gus. Gus loves this game, but more than anything, he loves these players.”
Added Garrett Gabriel: “Dillon’s only said good stuff about him being like a father figure. There are all these different elements going into it but the bottom line is, I think they’re connected because they both pay attention to detail.”
Garrett said he’s usually nervous speaking with Dillon during a game week, but for some reason he didn’t experience that this time around.
“I go listen to him this year and he says all the things that I wish he had said as a freshman but I know that’s experience,” said Garrett, who played five seasons at Hawaii from 1986-90. “I know he’s going to carry that on his shoulders. He’s up for the challenge and he’s really looking forward to this year.”
The Gabriels have been frequent visitors to the Bounce House for the past two seasons but the pandemic limited their ability to travel. Fourteen family members and friends are here, including Dillon’s grandparents.
They gathered in a parking lot for pregame tailgating before making their way to the IOA Plaza for the Knight Walk.
Garrett Gabriel understands the enormity of the game against Boise State but he’s not worried about his son’s performance, or that of the team.
“I’m hoping for the best and he understands what he’s up against,” he said. “But he feels confident about the team and the coaching staff. I know the coaching staff wants to prove something things, too.Everybody’s got a chip on their shoulder, wanting to prove their worth against a good opponent.”
Despite a rough start, Gabriel led UCF to a 36-31 comeback win. He was 25-for-37 for 318 yards and four touchdowns with two interceptions.
Afterward, he was touched by being able to share in the victory with his family.
“That’s my everything,” Dillon Gabriel said. “That’s my family. I love them to death and it means the most to me that they spend their hard-earned money to come out here and it’s not cheap, but now I’m gonna go home to a full house something I love.”
His performance is also drawing eyes back in his home state with friends and family.
“I feel like a celebrity as my phone lights up (with comments),” he said. “‘We’re watching. We wish him well. We’re praying for him.’”
This article first appeared on OrlandoSentinel.com. Email Matt Murschel at mmurschel@orlandosentinel.com or follow him on Twitter at @osmattmurschel.
