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Gabriel Grabs Opportunity
Rookie WR Doug Gabriel works against DB Paul Miranda during the Raiders recent mini-camp.
After the 2003 NFL Draft, Head Coach Bill Callahan discussed the benefits of drafting many rookies who were versatile and could be used for various roles on the field. WR Doug Gabriel fits that mold very well.
Coach Callahan acknowledged, "These individuals we have taken possess the ability to play and contribute to special teams. That was one of the goals going into the draft," the Head Coach explained. "Obviously we wanted to upgrade each position with speed, but we also upgraded our special teams [with the draft] as well."
Gabriel was the Raiders seventh pick in the 2003 NFL Draft (5th round, 167th overall) and is ready to help the Raiders fulfill those goals this coming season. Known for his acceleration and quickness, Gabriel will be a resourceful player who can contribute on the gridiron in many different ways.
Born and raised in Florida, Gabriel originally signed with the University of Miami coming out of high school. He ended up not staying in his local area though, and attended Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College for his first two college seasons instead. He made an impression in the Junior College ranks and received an offer from Florida State to play defensive back for the remaining years of his collegiate career. Interested in pursuing a career as a receiver, Gabriel turned down the offer.
The offers didn't stop though. Gabriel transferred to the University of Central Florida and immediately made an impact with 97 receptions for 1,869 yards (19.3 avg) during his two-year stay with the Golden Knights. These 1,869 yards receiving rank ninth on the school's career-record list alongside his 20 touchdowns which ranks fifth. He also broke the school's record of all-purpose yards held by Bernard Ford (1,627 yards) with 1,921 in his 2002 season.
The Raiders selected Central Florida WR Doug Gabriel in the 5th round of the 2003 NFL Draft.
Coach Callahan admits that when watching Gabriel on film, he "was very impressive in his ability to explode after the catch...He turns it on and he excites you as a coach and as a fan."
During his senior year at the University of Central Florida, scouts noted that Gabriel worked well with the quarterback and had the ability to sense pressure and come back, if necessary, for the under-thrown ball. His knowledge and awareness of the game add to his capabilities.
Callahan noted that "he's a guy that's just beginning to come into his own and I think as we refine him and he gets under the tutelage of Fred Biletnikoff and John Morton, and obviously Tim [Brown] and Jerry [Rice] and Jerry Porter for that matter, he will grow." With such a fine group of people to learn from, Gabriel will succeed with the Raiders in many capacities.
This Business Major rookie is getting ready for Training Camp and the upcoming season. The coaching staff and veteran players are anxious to see what this Florida-native is going to bring to the field and if he'll be able to make any record-breaking plays here on the west coast.