Filipino Hawaiian quarterback is in the running for Heisman Trophy

UNIVERSITIY OF OREGON

Dillon Gabriel (No. 8) scores a touchdown against Ohio State.

East Coast football pundits had to swallow their anti-West Coast bias after Oregon Ducks quarterbak Dillon Gabriel led his team gainst the highly regarded Ohio State in a thriller, 32-31.

It was the first game this college football season where two top-5 teams met, the No. 2 Buckeyes vs. the No. 3 Ducks.

Dillon, who is of Hawaiian and Filipino heritage, completed 23 of 34 passes for 341 yards and two touchdowns through the air, while also adding 32 yards and a score on the ground in the win in Eugene, Oregon.

“I just know how much time and effort everyone puts into this, and that goes for the coaches, the players, the support staff within this building to make the whole show go,” Gabriel said after the hard-fought victory. “There’s joy in winning, and you love to see your team succeed.”

Before this weekend, he was in fourth place, among the players being considered for the coveted Heisman Trophy, given to the best college football player each year. After the Ohio game, he should zoom up to second or first among the sports journalists who pick the winner.

Dillon Gabriel

Dillon transferred to Oregon after two year at the University of Oklahoma where ne began to attract attention for the Heisman. Before Oklahoma, he was lightly recruited out of Mililani High School on Oahu and ended by Centra Florida for his first three seasons.

His decision to transfer to Oregon was a matter of making it easier for his island family to attend his games. His close family ties is a product of his mixed cultrual from Hawaii and the Philippines, both of which emphasize family and community.

Oregon has a strong connection with Hawaii's high school football players, several who have used the uniersity as a pippeline to the NFL. Perhaps, Marcus Mariota who as a quarterback is the most notable after leading the Ducks to a national championship in 2014. Ironically, Mariota's Ducks faced Ohio State in the National Championship and lost by a score of 42–20. Mariota is currently the backup quarterback for the Washington Commanders.

Oregon's next opponent is Purdue on Oct. 19 at the Boilermakers' stadium. The Ducks are now 6-0 and have a chance to go undefeated for the season which would put them in contention to play for the national championshp.

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