ORLANDO, FLA -- Ask any NFL scout about the top traits they examine for a potential franchise quarterback. 

Arm strength, accuracy and attitude will be at the top of their list. 

Dillon Gabriel has all three. The first two are easy to spot. 

Through 23 career games, Gabriel has thrown for 7,223 yards while accounting for 67 total touchdowns. He currently ranks sixth in school history in yards and fifth in passing touchdowns. 

The attitude and leadership has been on full display when it mattered most; in times of change. 

It started after the Knights 49-23 loss to BYU in the Boca Raton Bowl. 

"How I performed, how we performed is never up to par with what we wanted, right," Gabriel said? "I got to go home, look myself in the mirror and just reset because that’s all you really can do. After I went home I just knew that whatever happens I have got to make myself better for this team and be the best leader that I can.”

A few weeks into the offseason, the change began when UCF Athletic Director Danny White took the same job at Tennessee on January 21. Six days later in a stunning move, White hired Josh Heupel as the school's new football coach. 

“Shocked because the night before we were having a meeting and talking like everything is normal," Gabriel said. "Then college football happens. It’s the name of the game. He had an opportunity elsewhere and was able to up and leave. For the most part I was shocked at first but moving on and moving forward I knew there was only positive things to come out of it. Change is inevitable and I’m glad we’re on the good side of it.”

It continued on February 9 when UCF hired Arkansas State's Terry Mohajir as White's replacement. February 15, Gabriel had his new head coach in Gus Malzahn. 

“I was blown away and I didn’t how to feel to be quite honest with you," Gabriel said. "After time went by and he was able to come into the building the next day, we had a long conversation just me and coach. It was probably the best conversation I’ve had with any coach since my dad and my high school coach so it blew me away. Just seeing how this spring went, everything he told me happened. That built so much trust from both sides.”

The relationship has grown exponentially just a few short months into Malzahn's tenure. Dillon loves how his head coach holds him accountable and sees the potential in a new offense. 

“I feel like I’m a good fit because I’m different from every other quarterback he’s coached. I’m able to do a lot of things that he hasn’t been able to do in the past. That’s something we’re both excited about. It’s going to be fun that first day running out of that tunnel together.”

It's been a whirlwind of change for Gabriel in terms of leadership and mentorship. Prior to the bowl game, his close friend, high school and college teammate McKenzie Milton announced his transfer to Florida State. 

"It didn't impact our relationship at all," Gabriel said. "We're brothers for life. He knows that. We call each other every single day and I'm pumped for him because I know this is what he's wanted." 

Good players play well when everything goes according to plan. The great ones flourish when change and adversity strikes. Dillon Gabriel has embraced it. He's taken the positives in every new situation, but his plan for 2021 remains the same. 

“I view and envision an undefeated season. I mean that with every single ounce of everything I got in my body. That’s something we fight for every year, something we know is a possibility. It’s going out and proving it.”

Gabriel and UCF will hit the field for their annual spring game this Saturday at the Bouncehouse at noon.