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Notre Dame Football Recruiting: Breaking Down 2021 Defensive Tackle Gabriel Rubio

By Andrew Hall

SOUTH BEND, IN - NOVEMBER 23: Adetokunbo Ogundeji #91 of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish in action on defense during a game against the Boston College Eagles at Notre Dame Stadium on November 23, 2019 in South Bend, Indiana. Notre Dame defeated Boston College 40-7. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)
SOUTH BEND, IN - NOVEMBER 23: Adetokunbo Ogundeji #91 of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish in action on defense during a game against the Boston College Eagles at Notre Dame Stadium on November 23, 2019 in South Bend, Indiana. Notre Dame defeated Boston College 40-7. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /
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The recent Irish success on-the-field started with better Defensive Line recruiting off-the-field.

Writer’s note: Over the next few weeks, I will review the 2021 Notre Dame football recruiting class and all of its commitments – giving a detailed breakdown of each Irish pledge.

Gabriel Rubio, a defensive tackle from St. Louis, committed to the Fighting Irish on June 15, 2019. He joined quarterback Tyler Buchner and offensive tackle Blake Fisher as the first three commitments in 2021 class. He adds to Notre Dame’s growing depth along the defensive line.

Recruiting Rankings

247Sports Composite, a combination of all major recruiting services, ranks as 110th prospect and 8th Defensive Tackle. Rivals ranks Rubio the highest at 99th overall. ESPN ranks him the lowest as the 164th prospect. The last remaining recruiting service, 247Sports, lists him as the 147th best player in the 2021 class.

Film Review

Two major things stand out when watching Rubio’s Junior highlights: excellent use of the hands and position versatility. Rubio uses his hands extremely well when shedding blocks both against the run and pass. Also, he attacks from multiple positions for his high school team. The majority of his reps occur inside but he does lineup on the edge in pass rushing situations. This unique flexibility bodes well for pass rushing situations at the college level.

Historical Context

Historically, defensive line recruits played major roles during their freshman years. However, since Mike Elko and Clark Lea stepped foot in South Bend, Notre Dame gradually developed depth to the point where extremely talented players like Isaiah Foskey only see the field for a few games. Therefore, do not expect to see Rubio until the 2022 or 2023 season.

Next. Breaking Down the Commits: 2021 QB Tyler Buchner. dark

But, when he does play, expect Rubio to become a successful product. The vast majority of Notre Dame’s Defensive Line recruits find success in South Bend. This is due largely to Notre Dame Defensive Line coach Mike Elston’s great mentoring.

Bottom Line

Rubio does not alter Notre Dame’s standing in the college football stratosphere. However, his addition continues to build quality depth along the line of scrimmage that will allow the Irish to maintain their recent success on the field.

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