Gabriel Rubio Continued to Build Relationships At Notre Dame Over The Weekend
2021 Notre Dame defensive line commit Gabriel Rubio made another trip back to South Bend this weekend and it was his first since committing to the Irish in June. The four-star prospect has been solid in his commitment to Notre Dame, but Saturday served as an opportunity to remind himself why he made an early decision.
“It was a great refresher to cement my choice in going to Notre Dame and to see what it was all about again,” stated Rubio.
Defensive line coach Mike Elston was a significant reason why the 6-foot-5, 275-pounder chose Notre Dame and the two were able to reconnect before the game.
“We just talked about the game plan against Virginia,” explained Rubio. “He told me how he was going his defensive line go through the game and exactly what they needed to do defensively.”
Notre Dame’s defensive line put on a show with eight sacks and multiple tackles for loss against Virginia. As you can imagine, Rubio couldn’t be more excited to join the family after watching the dominating performance.
“It makes me feel very confident in Coach Elston’s teaching and that he’s doing the right thing,” said Rubio. “He obviously knows what he’s talking about and seeing it carry on the field is an amazing thing.”
It’s one thing for a coach to talk about what he’s going to do with his players, but it’s another seeing it translate to the field when it matters the most and Rubio saw it firsthand.
“If a coach is just coaching and not applying anything that he coaches into what he wants done in the game or against the opponent, then why would you learn it if you’re not going to use it in a game situation,” Rubio stated.
“He’s teaching the guys everything they need to know and why they need to know it. That’s a really good thing.”
2020 defensive line commit Aidan Keanaaina and 2021 tight end commit Cane Berrong were also in town over the weekend. Rubio and Berrong had previously been in contact, so meeting Keanaaina for the first time was something both players were excited for heading into their visits.
“Saturday from the first time I got to meet Aidan,” Rubio explained. “I thought he was a really great guy. His personality is very outgoing, even though he did lose his voice from his game on Friday.
“It’s exciting. Being with a bunch of other big and highly skilled guys is a great thing.”
Rubio had seen just about everything Notre Dame had to offer on his previous visits, but he did get one surprise when he stepped on campus.
“I didn’t know the indoor facility was already finished,” Rubio said. “Seeing that was a real shocker. I enjoyed it thoroughly. I really liked it. They don’t need to go into the old indoor for their indoor practices when it gets cold and snowy.”
As for recruiting, Rubio is focused on a 2022 prospect who he has a long-standing relationship with and one who will be on campus for the Bowling Green game this weekend.
“Right now, I’m trying to focus on one of my teammates, Arlen Harris Jr.,” said Rubio. “I know Notre Dame hasn’t been running the ball a lot. The running backs they have are talented and skilled, but having a couple extra running back to help the rotation would be good.”