By LEE BRECHEEN, Louisiana Football Magazine/TV
Close to three years ago I was at a high school game during the regular season, watching Evangel Christian playing Dutchtown. I was there to see some 2021 seniors playing, and left really impressed seeing a sophomore defensive end/linebacker for the Eagles.
His name was Gabriel Reliford, who back then was a lot smaller than his current physique, a chiseled 6-foot-2, 250 pounds. Gabriel has a chance to be a great one from a school which has produced many national recruits as defensive lineman. I really think he can be one of Evangel’s all-time stars.
This year he’s bigger and faster, tuning up to put on a show for Eagles fans and for the Aggies of Texas A&M.
Reliford just this week committed to coach Jimbo Fisher and the A&M program after visiting College Station/Bryan recently.
Of course, Evangel’s track record of producing big-time college standouts is extraordinary. Many have gone on to professional football. The man who’s been there since the beginning is extremely impressed with Reliford.
“Gabriel checks all the boxes,” said his head coach, Denny Duron. “He is one of the hardest working players I’ve ever seen. He is consumed by the game.
“He’s an honor student and leads on and off the field. He loves God, and honors his parents. At 6-2 250 pounds he runs the 100 meters in track and is almost impossible to block on the football field.
“This guy is one of those rare talents who comes along once in a lifetime. We as coaches are all pulling for him. He deserves every good thing that comes his way,” said Duron.
As Reliford looks forward to his senior season, there’s no limit to the Eagles’ potential, he told me.
“This year’s team has a chance to be special. In 2023 we plan to win state. All of us have gained game experience and we’re all ready to make a run at it,” he said.
Reliford admires his coach, who has had a guiding hand in the life of every football player ever to come through Evangel.
“Coach Duron is more than a coach to us. He’s a mentor, he teaches how to become better men, and just overall better people,” said Reliford. “I’m glad that I have the chance to play and learn under him.”
Reliford’s passion for the game began early.
“I started playing football at age 7. I like everything about football,” he said. “The atmosphere after making a big play is unmatched. Having teammates beside you working just as hard as you in a game is an unreal experience.”
I asked Gabriel who has had a big influence in his life.
“I would have to say my dad. He’s pushed me the most to become great at what I do and I’m forever grateful for having someone in my life like him.”
Reliford says it’s a neighborhood rivalry that lights his competitive fire the brightest.
“I love playing Huntington every year. They are not far from our school, just up the road, and it’s always fun to whoop up on those guys,” he said.
As he looks ahead to his future, Reliford starts by remembering what major colleges made a big impression on him as a youngster.
“I grew up liking Ohio State, Oregon, West Virginia and Michigan. These schools have produced some of the greatest athletes in the game of football and as a kid I enjoyed watching their highlights before games,” he said.
The recruiting process stepped up with the rising temperatures.
“I’ve been to Vandy on an official visit as well as Ole Miss,” he said,” and just recently was at Texas A&M which felt like home to me.”
Obviously, there’s no place like home. Gig ‘em, Gabriel!
Tidbits on Gabriel Reilford:
He plans to major in engineering at Texas A&M.
His dad played football for Fair Park, while his mom played softball at Woodlawn.
Coach Duron referenced the fact that Reliford runs sprints on the Evangel track team. In the 100 meters, he has been clocked at 11.6. WOW – imagine a young man of his size moving that fast!
His favorite Evangel football alumnus is Ardarius Washington, who had a great career at TCU as a cornerback and athlete.
Reliford likes to work out and watch long movie series.
His 2022 stats: 129 tackles, including six sacks and 27 tackles behind the line. He also had a blocked punt.
Other scholarship offers came from Ole Miss, Vanderbilt, SMU, Arizona State and Arkansas State. Although he’s committed, many other colleges will not throw in the towel.
Contact Lee at lbrecheen@aol.com
Lee Brecheen has operated Louisiana Football Magazine for over 30 years and is one of the state’s foremost experts on high school football and especially recruiting. Based in Baton Rouge, Lee travels statewide to watch practices and games and has broken down film and tape since the late 1980s. He has converted the printed product to a website (Lafootballmagazine.com) that will preview every high school and college football program in the state before kickoff this fall. Lee also hosts a football-centric TV show on YouTube, The Sports Scouting Report, on weekdays.