Optimist
  • News
  • Sports
  • Opinion
    • Columns
    • Editorials
    • Letters to the Editor
  • Features
    • Book Review
  • Multimedia
    • Photo Galleries
    • Videos
  • Podcasts
    • Optimist Overtime
    • Top of the Key
  • Police Log
  • Print Edition
  • Projects
  • About
    • Advertise
    • Policies
    • Staff Contacts
    • Jobs
You are here: Home / Sports / Gabriel’s 2016 emergence testament to preparation
Former Wildcat Taylor Gabriel has emerged as a fan favorite after the Falcons' Super Bowl media day. Various news mediums have published pieces telling the story of his journey to the NFL.

Gabriel’s 2016 emergence testament to preparation

February 2, 2017 by Jonathan Raitz

While many Wildcats are preparing chips and dip for their Super Bowl parties this weekend, former ACU football standout is counting down the hours till he takes the field in Super Bowl 51.

With over 2900 yards receiving and 27 touchdown catches in three years as a Wildcat, there was no question Taylor Gabriel would be remembered as one the most dominant receivers to play for ACU.

“He’s in that upper tier of people I’ve coached,” said former head football coach Ken Collums, who served as offensive coordinator while Gabriel played for the Wildcats. “It’s one thing to run down the field and catch a deep ball, but being able to still track the ball and use that flexibility at the last second, Taylor could do that.”

But heading for the NFL draft after a season in which he finished with 1060 yards and 73 receptions, Gabriel’s size brought his potential into question, and he went undrafted in the 2014 selections.

John David Baker, former Wildcat quarterback and Gabriel’s teammate for four years, said he saw pro potential from Gabriel especially in bigger games against the likes of New Mexico State, when he recorded 188 yards and 15 catches.

“Those were the games that Taylor seemed to play the best,” Baker said. “And you could kind of tell he stood out from the rest. Even guys at the bigger level had trouble hanging with him. There’s something special about him.”

Fortunately for Gabriel, he was signed by the Cleveland Browns and appeared in all 16 games that season, as he produced 621 receiving yards under offensive coordinator Kyle Shanahan.

After Gabriel was cut by the Browns after a less productive 2015, he and Shanahan reunited in Atlanta this season, which has led to Gabriel’s emergence as a lethal slot receiver and Shanahan as the play-caller for the league’s most explosive offense.

Baker has not been surprised by the way Gabriel and the Falcons’ offense have gelled this season.

“One thing that never happened to him, there was never a time when somebody squared him up and tackled him in the open field,” Baker said. “Atlanta runs a West Coast-style offense with lots of verbage. It’s very similar to what he did at ACU. He understands it and what they are trying to do.”

Aside from Gabriel’s raw speed and talent, Collums said he believes it has been his work ethic that has allowed to find success this season.

“I think the No. 1 thing that he learned and I think its the biggest struggle for most guys to learn, it’s about your preparation throughout the year throughout the week and through the offseason,” Collums said. “Talent is only going to get you so far. With a guy with that talent, if they buy in and prepare like crazy then their going to keep developing.”

Regardless of whether Gabriel is able to earn his first Super Bowl ring on Sunday, Baker and Collums are each confident in his NFL future.

“I think this year is just kind of the beginning,” Baker said. “I think people are really starting to realize how special of a talent he is. I think the more opportunities he gets, the more comfortable he’s going to get.”

Collums said during his time around Gabriel, he was always striving to be a better man and that mentality should keep him focused in all aspects of the game.

“I just get a sense from him that he is very grateful for an opportunity to be with the Falcons and have a shot at the NFL,” Collums said. “And because of that sense of gratefulness he’s going to enjoy it as much as he can. Anytime you are grateful it is going to keep you hungry.”

Gabriel will be the first Wildcat to play in a Super Bowl since Danieal Manning led the Chicago Bears’ defense against Peyton Manning and the Indianapolis Colts in Super Bowl 41.

 

 

 

Filed Under: Breaking News, Showcase, Sports

Other News:

  • Gallery: Spring commencement honors 2021-22 graduates

  • New IM Fields location confirmed

  • At $250 million, Higher Ground aims to make impacts across campus

About Jonathan Raitz

JMC Network Sports Director. Try to cover all things sports related, on and off The Hill (ACU).

You are here: Home / Sports / Gabriel’s 2016 emergence testament to preparation

Other News:

  • Gallery: Spring commencement honors 2021-22 graduates

  • New IM Fields location confirmed

  • At $250 million, Higher Ground aims to make impacts across campus

Follow us online

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Twitter
  • YouTube

Optimist on Twitter

acuoptimistThe Optimist@acuoptimist·
4 May

"Maybe we just don’t care enough. But if we do start caring, and if we become the loudest fans in the WAC, let’s stick to supportive cheering." Read more from Guest Columnist Londyn Gray:
https://acuoptimist.com/2022/04/not-so-friendly-competition/

Reply on Twitter 1521918832738144257Retweet on Twitter 15219188327381442571Like on Twitter 15219188327381442578Twitter 1521918832738144257
acuoptimistThe Optimist@acuoptimist·
3 May

Royce Clough and Jael Morel have been named as Mr. and Miss ACU for the class of 2022, a traditional honor voted on by the student body and awarded to two members of each graduating class.

Reply on Twitter 1521607087553458178Retweet on Twitter 1521607087553458178Like on Twitter 152160708755345817819Twitter 1521607087553458178

Optimist on Facebook

The Optimist

2 months ago

The Optimist
"Maybe we just don’t care enough. But if we do start caring, and if we become the loudest fans in the WAC, let’s stick to supportive cheering." Read more from Guest Columnist Londyn Gray: ... See MoreSee Less

Not-so-friendly competition - Optimist

acuoptimist.com

BY: LONDYN GRAY “Number 18, you look like you don’t shower!” I chuckled and shrugged it off. “Londyn!” They had looked up the roster. “Do you even brush your teeth?” I laughed again, rol...
View on Facebook
· Share

Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linked In Share by Email

The Optimist

2 months ago

The Optimist
Cullen Auditorium is expected to be handed over to the university in June 2022, alongside a name change that coupled with the renovation will create new future for the Cornerstone class, Chapel and the Department of Theatre. ... See MoreSee Less

Cullen Auditorium still set for a name change alongside renovations - Optimist

acuoptimist.com

Cullen Auditorium is expected to be handed over to the university in June 2022, alongside a name change that coupled with the renovation will create new future for the Cornerstone class, Chapel and th...
View on Facebook
· Share

Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linked In Share by Email

Videos

Women’s tournament run ended by first-round exit against UTRGV

The Wildcats’ Western Athletic Conference tournament run and season came to a ... [Read More…]

  • Optimist Newscast Feb. 22. 2022
  • Optimist Newscast 2.16.2022
  • Optimist Newscast 2.9.2022

Latest Photos

  • Home
  • Weekly Ads
  • Classifieds

© 2022 ACU Optimist · All Rights Reserved

Posting....