Dustin Gabriel hasn't given up

It was not the word he wanted to hear, but it isn’t the last word by far.

Dustin Gabriel, BYU senior safety who was forced to the sidelines this past August due to injuries, received word his appeal to the NCAA for another year of eligibility was denied by the NCAA staff.

He will no appeal that decision to a committee who will review his application. “I’m optimistic that this will work out,” said Gabriel. “I haven’t given up by any means and it’s just the next step in the process of getting this done.”

In the meantime, Gabriel has been accepted into the Marriott School of Business Management and is working on his graduate degree. He has continued to work out to keep himself in shape and plans on joining the Cougar squad for summer conditioning in a few weeks.

Gabriel has been a starter on the defense and started all 13 games at the Katback position. He had 37 tackles including 16 solo and 21 assisted tackles, a forced fumble, a fumble recovery and an interception. His medical appeal will center on a series of head injuries he had during his career, combined with a flair up of a foot injury in August that sidelined him for his senior year.

“It’s been a dream of mine to play that senior year and finish my career. I hope it will happen.”

He has spoken extensively with Bronco Mendenhall about the appeal and BYU’s medical staff has been encouraging. Gabriel

I’d put Gabriel’s chances at 50-50 that the NCAA decision is overturned by the review committee.