Former Oregon Ducks quarterback Dillon Gabriel has yet to forget who made him better for the next level.
With former Ducks offensive coordinator Will Stein set to take over the Kentucky Wildcats football program as their new coach next season, Gabriel made sure to give him proper kudos in a video from the Kentucky "X" account.
"I love Stein,” Gabriel said. “He has been a huge part of my success and what I’ve been able to achieve this far. We had a great time at Oregon together. I learned so much about football from him. From the X’s and O’s, how to be a quarterback, leadership, and most of all dialogue."
Gabriel said he not only grew off the field, but on the field with understanding, better fundamentals, and just knowing how to communicate in pressure situations.
“The conversations he has with the quarterback and the relationships he develops allows you to be successful in everything you do on and off the field," Gabriel. Said. "I love him to death and he’s a friend for life.”
It remains to be seen how much they will continue to keep in touch, but it's clear that Stein had an influence on Gabriel that simply can't be viewed any other way than positive.
Gabriel is in the midst of his rookie NFL season with the Cleveland Browns, who currently sit at 3-10 entering Week 15.
Meanwhile, the Ducks are gearing up to make a run in the College Football Playoff and host James Madison in the opening round one week from Saturday.