HAWAII GROWN: UCF’s Dillon Gabriel gets start in second career game

UCF quarterback Dillon Gabriel (11) handed the ball off to UCF running back Adrian Killins Jr. (9) during the first half against Florida Atlantic on Saturday. Photo courtesy Associated Press.

Central Florida true freshman Dillon Gabriel got the start in tonight’s 48-14 win over Florida Atlantic.

And it was a bit of a surprise.

UCF coach Josh Heupel told reporters Thursday, “I don’t see anything different here at this point,” regarding his QB situation. Brandon Wimbush started the opener last week against Florida A&M with Gabriel also seeing action.


Instead, it was Gabriel, the 2018 Mililani alumnus and Hawaii’s all-time career passing record holder who trotted out on the field first against Florida Atlantic. He completed only seven of his 19 throws but they went for 245 yards with TD tosses of 57 and 74 yards.

“When my name’s called, I’m going to be there — whatever the team needs,” Gabriel told reporters after the game.


Wimbush did not play in the game that was called in the fourth quarter because of lightning in the area.

“He did some things really well,” Heupel said of Gabriel. “Ultimately he made enough plays to give us some offensive balance.”


Gabriel had multiple touchdown passes for the second straight game to start his collegiate career and he also rushed for his first career touchdown on the ground, totaling 19 yards on four carries with a 4-yard TD run.

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The Associated Press contributed to this report

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