Doug Gabriel's NFL Future Is Bright
December 2, 2002
Kevin Deutsch
Knightsnews Staff Writer
UCF fans were probably not the only football aficionados cheering Doug Gabriel on Saturday, as he set a school record with four touchdown receptions in a 42-32 win over Ohio. NFL scouts and personnel were without a doubt taking notice as well, watching Gabriel, a senior, catch seven balls for 179 yards.
With the NFL Draft approaching and the college football season winding down, this is the time for could-be pros to showcase their abilities, and prove they are ready to play at the next level. Doug Gabriel did more than just prove himself in the home-stretch, and in all probability, solidified himself as an early round draft choice.
Gabriel finished the season with 75 receptions for 1,237 yards. More impressive than his totals were the way he obtained them. In a season that saw UCF face a number of admirable defenses, Gabriel burned opposing defensive backs for 16.5 yards per catch. Unlike many big-gain receivers who become ineffective in the red-zone, Gabriel also proved himself a valuable short-yardage receiver, catching eleven touchdown passes this season.
At 6’2, 205 pounds, some might call Gabriel an undersized wide receiver, especially for the pro-game in which that position is dominated primarily by large, physical pass-catchers. Undersized may be what the critics call him, but there was nothing small about the strides Gabriel took as a receiver this year.
In the 2001 season, he caught just twenty-two balls, which when compared to his statistics this season is a disappointing number. There were signs of his possible emergence last year though, when he became a serious deep-threat and averaged 28.7 yards per catch, finding the end zone nine times. Building on his already obvious playmaking ability, Gabriel took great strides in the 2002 season and improved nearly every aspect of his game. It didn’t take long for him to show off his new moves, as he scorched Penn State in the season opener for 11 catches and 153 yards.
However impressive the numbers are, it will be up to the NFL front-offices around the league to decide whether or not Gabriel can make plays for their teams next year. If he performs in pre-draft camps the way he did for the Knights this season, you can be sure it won’t be long before Doug’s name is called on draft day.