Years ago, I was on the Elite 11 quarterback camp tour and kept hearing coaches talking about QBs having the “It Factor.” It was as though everywhere I turned that phrase was being thrown around. As time would pass, it felt as though that became the most overused and undefinable phrase in football. So in the summer of 2016, a few of us set out to truly understand what it meant to have the It Factor and I would direct the film titled The It Factory.

We canvassed the nation, asking premiere coaches, players and broadcasters to share their explanation of that phrase. It was fascinating as the nuances behind that phrase were so unique.

The conclusion: those that have the It Factor walk into a room and people feel their presence…AND they make everyone in that room better.

Dillon Gabriel is exactly that.

He joined the Y-Option podcast over the weekend in our Venice Beach studio where he reflected on his record breaking year in Eugene, the impact of the Oregon staff, how he is preparing to actualize a childhood dream, his parents impact on him, and yes, to discuss his It Factor. He also accepted one of our final 4 season-ending awards in collaboration with our founding partner 76, as we named Dillon “My 5-Star QB” of the Year.

The authentic nature of Dillon’s personality is infectious, as I’ve seen him in rooms full of high school quarterbacks, in the Oregon football facility, around Heisman winners or literally in my kitchen with my family. I’d go as far to say that his It Factor is the most impressive my eyes have ever seen in 25 years around major college football. And yes, I know what I’m saying when I write that.

Dillon Gabriel is a special talent and the NFL franchise that he lands at in late April will have a dynamic leader in their QB room.

How do you define the It Factor? Who has it? Can you cultivate it?

I’d love to hear your opinions in the comments at Y-Option.com or on social media as we truly enter the offseason in the sport we love.

Much love and stay steady,

Yogi

This episode is executive produced by Jim Thornby and edited by Victor Ren

This podcast is a Best Coast Media production

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