The talented left-hander impressed the coaching staff with his arm strength, accuracy and understanding of the offense when he arrived in January 2019 as a true freshman. Those qualities helped him earn the starting job during Week 2 of the 2019 season.
From there, he guided the team to a 9-3 finish, passing for a UCF freshman record 3,653 yards and 20 touchdowns.
As he prepares to open Year 2 leading the Knights' offense, Gabriel believes he’s grown as a quarterback.
“I think all around, I’m more comfortable,” Gabriel said. “I think being around the guys for a year-and-a-half, I feel good playing together and feeling out the receivers.