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Notre Dame football: 3 true freshmen on defense to thrive in a backup role

By Brad Weiss

Nov 30, 2019; Stanford, CA, USA; The Notre Dame Fighting Irish mascot Leprechaun runs on the field with a team flag after a touchdown during the fourth quarter against the Stanford Cardinal at Stanford Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Darren Yamashita-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 30, 2019; Stanford, CA, USA; The Notre Dame Fighting Irish mascot Leprechaun runs on the field with a team flag after a touchdown during the fourth quarter against the Stanford Cardinal at Stanford Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Darren Yamashita-USA TODAY Sports /
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Notre Dame football
SAN DIEGO, CA – OCTOBER 27: Helmets of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish near the bench area in the 2nd half against the Navy Midshipmen at SDCCU Stadium on October 27, 2018, in San Diego, California. (Photo by Kent Horner/Getty Images) /

Notre Dame football: 3 true freshmen on defense to thrive in a backup role

Gabriel Rubio, DT

One of the bigger strengths when it comes to this Notre Dame defense is the defensive line, a unit that could be one of the best in the country in 2021. Led by veteran Kurt Hinish, this is a group that is not only going to be solid up the middle, but they have guys who can flat out get the edge, and that is going to cause trouble for opposing offenses.

According to 247sports.com, the top four players coming in for the 2021 recruiting class are on the offensive side of the ball, including quarterback Tyler Buchner. However, the first defensive player listed is Gabriel Rubio, a powerful defensive tackle that is going to learn from some of the best in the country this season.

Rubio is big, strong, and agile, and eventually, he is going to be the man in the middle of this defensive line. As a true freshman, he is going to get his shot to make an impact, but it will be learning from the likes of Hinish, Jayson Ademilola, and Myron Tagovailoa-Amosa that will go a long way in Year 1.

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