A big-time recruiting day started up earlier this Saturday afternoon when 4-star defensive tackle Gabriel Rubio decided to verbally commit to the Fighting Irish. The 6’5″/290-pounder out of Missouri was (more on that later) the 3rd player to commit to Notre Dame for the Class of 2021.

Notre Dame was an offer that Rubio coveted greatly. The Irish staff offered less than a month ago back on May 26th, and most considered it just a matter of time until he pledged to Notre Dame after that point. Little did most know, Rubio actually committed on the spot upon earning his offer last month, and simply made it public upon his visit this weekend.

 

Recruiting Service Rankings

Rival — Not Yet Rated

ESPN — Not Yet Rated

247Sports — 4 star (91 rating), #195 overall, #15 DT, #4 in MO

247Sports Composite — 4 star (.9221), #195 overall, #16 DT, #4 in MO

Irish Sports Daily — 4 star (92 rating)

Cohort

In addition to Notre Dame, Gabriel holds other offer from Ohio State, Georgia, Oklahoma, LSU, Texas A&M, and many others. Ohio State and Iowa appeared to be the other schools Rubio was taking a close look at.

Highlights

Rubio is a big body that’s only going to get bigger, and he moves very well for a guy of his size. He shows great quickness, but he also has the power necessary to drive blockers back and disrupt the play. He’s also got a heck of a motor as well — just watch him shed two blockers in the first play of these highlights. He doesn’t give up on the play.

Of course we are talking about a kid going into his Junior year of high school, so there are some things he will need to work on. Although he flashes the use of some technique, his skills will need refining. Also, like most kids his age, he can sometime stand up too tall after the snap. But that is something that will be coached out of him.

Impact

The Irish have been stockpiling talent along the defensive interior over the past few years, and adding Rubio to the fold will continue that trend. The Irish defensive line is shaping up to be a huge strength for the defense for the foreseeable future.

The 2021 recruiting class is also shaping up very nicely early. Rubio is the 3rd (again, more to come later) blue-chip prospect to verbal to the Fighting Irish for the class, and the first on the defensive side of the ball. BK and Co. are on a roll lately.

 

Welcome to the Irish family, Gabe!