2021 Notre Dame DL Commit Gabriel Rubio Embracing New Normal

The Covid-19 pandemic isn’t slowing down 2021 Lutheran (Mo.) star Gabriel Rubio‍. The four-star Notre Dame commit is continuing to get individual workouts in, but he’s also working on finishing a home gym. 

"Workouts are going great,” Rubio stated. “We're finally getting pieces put together for a little outdoor gym. We've got bars, plates and everything."

When it comes to school, Rubio admits there are some challenges of learning from home, but he’s still on track to be an early enrollee and graduate with a few extra credits. 

"A benefit is time,” Rubio said. “You get so much more time to do everything. The teachers all assign it to be due at 11:59 pm - close to midnight every night. You get all the time in the world to do it. 

"Some of the downsides are managing your own time. You have to know what's right and you especially have to pay attention when you do video calls." 

The 6-foot-5, 290-pounder isn’t one who needs much inspiration when it comes to football, but Rubio has some extra motivation this offseason. 

Rubio’s younger brother, Isaiah, will be entering high school this fall and the two will have a chance to play side by side.

"He's coming in as a freshman and he's going to learn as I did,” explained Rubio. “He'll learn all the same ropes under our defensive line coach. The way he's going to progress is going to be astounding. He's already better than me when I was that age." 

The younger Rubio plays offensive and defensive line, so opponents could be looking at two Rubios when lining up in the trenches. 

"It's been one of my dreams to play on the same team as my brother,” said Rubio. “We've never been able to do it because of the age difference. This will probably be the one and only time we'll be able to do it."

Notre Dame defensive line coach Mike Elston has continued to grow his bond with Rubio and a great level of trust is now the foundation of the relationship. 

"We've been discussing plans for the next class coming in,” explained Rubio. “Whenever the 2021 class is done and everyone is in, I'm going to be shifting to the 2022 class and giving to know some of the guys Coach Elston is going to be recruiting." 

The opportunity to develop relationships 2022 prospects is something that has Rubio excited and it’s a challenge he’s going to embrace.

"Being an extra voice for him is a special thing to know he trusts me enough to be basically an ambassador to show some younger guys around,” Rubio stated.

Now, Rubio will be the first to admit he’s not Blake Fisher on the recruiting trail, but recruiting is something he’s more than willing to do for Notre Dame. 

"Sometimes I have to remind myself to reach out to a guy,” Rubio said. “It's a great feeling to be able to talk to the guys and letting them know you're interested in them or letting them know you want them to be part of your team to possibly win a championship in the future."