From Mililani High to Heisman hopeful: Gabriel’s parents marvel at quarterback’s journey

HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) - The family of Mililani High graduate Dillon Gabriel says they’re proud of his athletic success, which culminated in a ticket to one of college football’s top honors this season.

The Oregon quarterback was named one of four finalists for the 2024 Heisman Trophy Monday.

He helped lead the Ducks through an undefeated season, a Big Ten Championship, and the number-one seed in the upcoming College Football Playoffs.

As the son of Garrett Gabriel — Rainbow Warriors star quarterback from 1987 to 1990 who led the team to their first NCAA bowl game — Dillon Gabriel’s athletic excellence is not a shocker.

But when his son first started playing football at 8 years old, Garrett could tell his motivation and leadership were special.

“If they have that drive and they have that love for the sport, that’s half the battle because that’s a big part of wanting to get ahead, knowing that you want to get better at something and you are willing to work at it,” Garrett said.

From his time as a true freshman starter at Central Florida to the heart of the Red River rivalry with the Oklahoma Sooners and then up to the Pacific Northwest, Dillon Gabriel has built a lasting legacy.

His move to Eugene was inspired by his longtime friendship with another local superstar, Marcus Mariota.

“All he was searching for was fit, and Oregon has been the best, last stop,” said mother Dori Gabriel. “During the process of going in the portal, his biggest thing to me was he says, ‘Mom, I want to bring my kids back somewhere where I can say I’ve done something.‘ He made each program better than when he entered.”

Gabriel’s trip to New York for the Heisman ceremony is well deserved. He’s led Oregon to an undefeated season, a number-one ranking, and in prime position to win the program’s first national title.

Over six seasons, he’s become the NCAA’s all-time career leader in total touchdowns and is second in all-time passing yards.

Garrett said, “When you put collectively the things that he’s done, I feel like he’s been one of the most consistent quarterbacks in terms of 3,000 yards, 25-30 touchdowns, in all his years. That is tough to do in today’s age.

“Me and my wife, we feel very blessed to have this opportunity to watch them grow, watch him live out his dream that he’s always talked about,” Garrett added.

“It’s been surreal and he’s taken us on this wild ride, and we’ve just loved every minute of it,” Dori said.

Gabriel is the fourth Hawaii native since 2012 to be named a Heisman finalist and could soon join Mariota as only the second to win it all.

In just over a month, he could end his collegiate career as a national champion.

“I get emotional thinking about it,” Dori said. “It’s been a dream that he’s chased for so long. He’s worked so hard. He’s found his way. He’s done some amazing things, but he’ll tell you his job is not done. He has high aspirations and nothing would make me prouder than to have all those things come to fruition.”

Gabriel is also up for the Maxwell Player of the Year and Davey O’Brien Quarterback of the Year awards.

Gabriel will be in New York this weekend. The winner of the 2024 Heisman Trophy will be announced Saturday, Dec. 14, at the Jazz Lincoln Center.

The ceremony will be televised at 3 p.m. HST on ESPN.

Copyright 2024 Hawaii News Now. All rights reserved.