Former UCF quarterback Dillon Gabriel uses NIL to give back to high school

Dillon Gabriel will always have a special place in his heart for his alma mater, Mililani High School.

Gabriel’s talent as a quarterback flourished at Mililani, where he led the Trojans to a Hawaii state championship in 2018 and etched his name in several state records.

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It makes sense that Gabriel would want to use his national brand as a college football player to give back to the school.

Gabriel cultivated his brand at UCF in 2019, which continued after transferring to Oklahoma in 2022. After one season, he transferred to Oregon, where he will play his sixth and final year of eligibility.

Friday, the 23-year-old brings his mission to life in his hometown with “I’m Inspired.” The event will feature the unveiling of new football team uniforms.

“We started that year wanting to give back to my high school,” Gabriel told the Orlando Sentinel. “As I got to the college level, I realized how much access to resources we have. If I can replicate even close to that for high school kids, maybe that could be the difference between them going to college, getting a college education and setting themselves up for success in life.”

At first, Gabriel provided shoes and other accessories for Mililani’s boys’ basketball team. Eventually, he was able to connect with representatives from Nike and work out a deal to purchase uniforms for the boys basketball, girls volleyball and girls soccer teams.

“We just tried to make it bigger and bigger,” he said.

None of it would have been possible without Gabriel’s ability to use his name, image, and likeness.

“It was huge, and in any other world, where it wasn’t a thing, I don’t think it happens,” Gabriel said of NIL. “The relationships I’ve gained through NIL —  whether with brands or people passionate about the same thing and want to help Mililani — have allowed me to have those conversations.”

Mililani High didn’t have an existing agreement with an apparel company despite being one of the top schools in the state. However, discussions with Nike and BSN Sports personnel helped bridge that gap and create a partnership that allowed Gabriel to deliver uniforms to the team.

The package includes home-and-away uniforms as well as an alternate one.

“I love them,” said Gabriel. “I’ve just tried to take something from everywhere I’ve been.”

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Gabriel said the response to those who have seen the uniforms has been positive, and he’s excited for the unveiling.

“Coaches laugh because they’re not necessarily the biggest when it comes to uniforms, but for the players it’s all about that confidence,” he said. “You look good, feel good, play good and have some pride in what your school is about.”

While Gabriel may be the face of the project, he’s had plenty of help from various sponsors, including Raising Cane’s, Hawaii Pacific Health and Vicis, and more than 25 other donors and partners.

Eventually, Gabriel would like to take his mission to the next level.

“Mililani has a weight room with two squat racks and they have 80 kids, so they have to be creative with their lifts,” Gabriel said. “That’s the No. 1 spot where, as a player, you grow, learn and build confidence in preparing your body and that’s for all sports.

“The weight room is definitely in the talks, so we’ve been trying to work on that and doing stuff with the training room, too.”

Gabriel, meanwhile, wrapped up spring football as Oregon held its spring game last weekend.

It’s been quite the journey for the senior, who is about to start his sixth season with his third team.

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“I’m just very grateful for everywhere I’ve been,” said Gabriel. “I’ve been around great people, and we’ve had a ton of success. Along the way, I realized that football is tough, and a lot comes with it, but you must stay true to yourself.”

Gabriel said each time he transferred, it was a tough move.

“Change is hard,” he said. “Leaving UCF was hard, but I would have never been at Oklahoma and being able to have that experience. Leaving Oklahoma was hard because I thought that would be my last season, but now I’m here at Oregon and it’s been the biggest blessing.”

He is still in contact with many former Knights teammates and coaches, including Adrian Killins and McKenzie Milton, another Mililani High graduate.

“I have great relationships with coaches, players and people in the area that I’ve gotten really close to,” Gabriel said. “It doesn’t just leave you.”

Matt Murschel can be reached at mmurschel@orlandosentinel.com.