In the high-stakes world of college football, the leap from high school rookie to seasoned vet happens fast. It’s not always pretty, either.
Nate Gabriel, a junior nose guard at West Virginia University, knows this all too well. Thrust into the spotlight as a 17-year-old true freshman, Gabriel faced down guys who’d been around the block—sometimes much older, stronger, and, honestly, a little intimidating.
Now at 19, he’s already one of the most experienced players on the team. His teammates even call him “Unc”—a nickname that’s stuck, even though he’s still a teenager.
Nate Gabriel’s Early Challenges
When Gabriel joined the WVU football team in 2024, he was just 17. Right away, he was thrown into the mix, lining up against players who could’ve been his older brothers—or uncles, honestly.
The physical and mental grind was intense. For a teenager fresh out of high school, it was a lot to handle.
Thrown into the Fire
His early days? Definitely a trial by fire. He remembers a practice where, for some reason, he was put at the three-technique spot—way outside his comfort zone as a nose guard.
That meant facing Wyatt Milum and Tomas Rimac. Not exactly a gentle welcome. “Wyatt Milum – everybody knows Wyatt Milum,” Gabriel laughed. “During practice, I don’t know why I was playing three-technique, but I’m playing a three-tech, and I’m usually a nose guard. It was Wyatt and Tomas on the same side and those two took me for a ride 10-15 yards down the field!”
Learning and Growing
He survived, though, and picked up a few good stories along the way. Nine tackles and a sack in 128 snaps as a freshman? Not bad, considering the circumstances.
“Most guys were like six-year guys,” he said, shaking his head. “I’m just coming out of high school and I’m having to play against these men! I was like, ‘I’ve got to hold my own, some way, somehow,’ and that’s what I did.”
Becoming “Unc”
Now, at 19, Gabriel has 24 games of Big 12 experience. That’s more than a lot of guys twice his age.
His teammates have started calling him “Unc” in the locker room, which he finds pretty funny. “Coming in about 2 ½ years ago, I never would have thought that now everybody would be calling me ‘Unc’ in the locker room even though I am only 19,” Gabriel shrugged.
Embracing the Role
He’s leaning into the role, though. “I’ve kind of taken on the role. I’m not really mad at it. I’ve got to be the older guy, and I’ve got to be an example to these young guys, so I guess I’ll be their ‘Unc’,” he said.
His rise from mid-level recruit to respected leader? It’s a pretty clear sign of his grit.
Recruitment and Early Career
Gabriel came to WVU as one of Neal Brown’s mid-level prospects out of Auburndale, Florida. ESPN, 247Sports, and On3 all gave him three stars, and he was rated the 81st-best defensive lineman in the country.
Usually, that’d mean a redshirt year to bulk up and learn the ropes. But WVU needed him right away, so there wasn’t much time for easing in.
Overcoming Freshman Struggles
As a true freshman, Gabriel found learning the playbook to be one of the toughest parts. “Playing as a true freshman, I feel my weakest point was learning the playbook,” he admitted.
“I was a freshman at the time and didn’t know better, but now I’m definitely getting to learn the playbook better. Being a freshman and playing, I really felt that pressure. I had my ‘welcome to college moments,’ but everybody has that.”
Building Physical Strength
He quickly realized he needed to get stronger. “One thing you have to do is love the weight room,” he said. “I would say me compared from my freshman year to now, you have to get big. As a defensive lineman, you have to be strong, and you have to be big or else it’s not going to work out for you.”
Now, at 295 pounds, Gabriel’s way more ready to take on older players than he was two years ago.
Advice to Younger Players
He’s got some advice for the new guys. Get to know the strength and conditioning coach’s number, and don’t skip the weight room.
“I want to be a visual example to the guys. I’m not really vocal, but I’ll talk to the guys on the side. I want guys to see what I do and follow my lead,” Gabriel explained.
The Future for Nate Gabriel
Looking ahead, Gabriel’s focused on getting better—both as a player and a leader. With another year before he even turns 20, there’s still plenty of room for growth.
“I’m getting there, I guess,” he chuckled, thinking about how far he’s come.
West Virginia’s Spring Festival
West Virginia gets back to work next Monday, with the Gold-Blue Spring Festival coming up next Saturday. It’s a chance for Gabriel and the rest of the team to show what they’ve been working on.
As one of the team’s most experienced guys, Gabriel’s leadership and performance will matter a lot for the Mountaineers this season. No pressure, right?
Conclusion
Nate Gabriel started out as a 17-year-old true freshman. Now, he’s turned into a respected team leader—pretty wild how fast things can change, isn’t it?
He faced some tough breaks early on, but didn’t let them stop him. It’s clear he’s become a key player for West Virginia University.
Gabriel keeps showing up, working hard, and leading by example. Honestly, his future in college football feels wide open and full of potential.
Want more on Gabriel’s story or the latest WVU football news? Check out WVUSports.com.
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