Boise State coach praises Gabriel

Avalos says Knights quarterback will be ‘great challenge’ for Broncos defense

Although Thursday night’s opener between UCF and Boise State will mark the first time the two programs face each other, there is some familiarity between the

Broncos head coach Andy Avalos and Knights quarterback Dillon Gabriel.

When Avalos was serving as the defensive coordinator at the University of Oregon in 2019, part of his recruiting territory included Hawaii and Gabriel’s Mililani High on Oahu.

“I recruited Hawaii, so I’ve seen Dillon all the way back from Mililani days,” Avalos said Saturday while speaking with Orlando media. “[I have] much respect for him, not only as a player but as a person and who he is, how he carries himself, how he leads the team. He’s done an unbelievable job at that all the way back to high school.”

Since his high school days,

Gabriel has jumped near the top of UCF’s record book. His 7,223 career passing yards rank sixth all-time in school history while his 156.6 career

passing efficiency ranks third. Gabriel has recorded four games

of 400 or more passing yards in his career, the most by a Knight.

“To see what he’s grown into, as a player and how leads his team and what he’s been able to accomplish there, is pretty impressive,” Avalos said about Gabriel. “He is a guy who is extremely accurate, has a fast release, and has quick feet.”

Avalos explained how Gabriel is a dangerous player when he steps on the field and why Boise State will need to contain the UCF quarterback to have a chance to win.

“With his quick feet, obviously, he can extend and create plays whether it be in the run game or pass game, so we will have a great challenge on our hands in consideration to their quarterback and their offense,” Avalos said.

Another key player Boise State will need to watch out for comes on the other side of the football in the form of defensive lineman Big Kat Bryant, Avalos said.

Bryant reunited with

Malzahn in Orlando after spending four years at Auburn. Last season Bryant was a second-team all-SEC selection after totaling 17 tackles, three sacks and an interception.

“There’s no question he’s a talented player,” Avalos said. “Obviously had a big impact at the university where he came from prior to where he’s at now. He is going to

be someone we have to be aware of upfront and understand where he’s at and how they’re using him within the game plan.”

UCF and Boise State kick off Thursday at 7 p.m. on ESPN at the Bounce House.