What Impresses Oregon Ducks Coach Dan Lanning Most About Quarterback Dillon Gabriel

Oregon Ducks coach Dan Lanning has been impressed with his new quarterback since before Dillon Gabriel even go to Eugene.

Jul 25, 2024; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Oregon Ducks quarterback Dillon Gabriel speaks to the media during the Big 10 football media day at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Goddin-USA TODAY Sports / Robert Goddin-USA TODAY Sports

Oregon Ducks transfer quarterback Dillon Gabriel has yet to play a game in the green and yellow, but he's already representing Oregon Ducks Football on the national stage.

The transfer quarterback is one of three Duck players at Big Ten Football Media Days in Indianapolis this week. His inclusion shouldn't come as a surprise to those that know him, though. Gabriel has placed himself in the middle of what was already a successful program and culture, something coach Dan Lanning appreciates.

"What's impressed me the most about Dillon is his ability to connect, not just in our program, but outside of our program," Lanning said during his time at the podium for Big Ten Football Media Days Thursday. "Whether taking an offensive retreat and taking our players to different parts of Oregon to throw the ball around in fellowship, or having the managers over to his house to watch a fight or a meal.

"He's really done a great job of connecting quickly. I'm excited about the experience he brings to the position."

Lanning knew Gabriel would be a great addition beyond the football skills before the QB even got to Eugene.

"Garrett and Dori have done an unbelievable job raising this guy," Lanning said. "I heard his mom singing karaoke at Georgia a few years ago when we were recruiting him, and now she came out and killed it again here at Oregon."

"But just an unbelievable family. Spent a lot of time with each other."

Oregon head coach Dan Lanning greets quarterback Dillon Gabriel during practice with the Oregon Ducks Tuesday, April 2, 2024 in Eugene, Ore. / Ben Lonergan/The Register-Guard / USA

Those off-the-field moments continued recently with a trip to the golf course.

"I'm not a good golfer, but Dillon and I got to go play yesterday," Lanning said. "We saw Marcus (Mariota) on the golf course, and he's a good competitor.

"Those moments, those moments away from football where we get an opportunity to connect, spend some time with each other, and then seeing him carry those same moments over to our players, whether it's going out to dinner with a guy, seeing the way he operates in our locker room. Really has a passion for the game and a passion to be great, and we're excited to have that on our team."

Gabriel, tight end Terrance Ferguson and inside linebacker Jeffrey Bassa are slated to speak with the media Thursday afternoon.