Signed | Four-Star DT Gabriel Rubio

Defensive Lineman Gabriel Rubio‍ 

Ranking
ISD: 94 - Four-Star 
Composite: 94.8 - Four-Star 

Vitals 
6’5 - 305
Lutheran (St. Peter’s, Mo.

Recruiter 
Mike Elston

Recruitment Rundown
Rubio wanted the offer, but needed to do a little bit of work in the classroom to get the offer and Mike Elston challenged him to earn the offer. The four-star put in the work and earned the Notre Dame offer and a month later, Rubio committed to the Irish to become the second commitment in the class. The Missouri native isn’t one to flock to the spotlight and never thought about decommitting despite receiving offers following his commitment to the Fighting Irish. Rubio also quietly tag-teamed prospects with Blake Fisher and developed key relationships with members of the recruiting class. 

ISD expert Jamie Uyeyama
Rubio has a chance to develop into a plus player against the run and pass at the next level. The fact that he could end up playing nose or 3-technique only adds to his value with him potentially playing inside with players like Aidan Keanaaina‍, Rylie Mills‍, and Jacob Lacey in the future.

One thing that I believe is important is the hustle he plays with and what I mentioned earlier about it looking like he has a desire to be great. That put together with his fit at Notre Dame makes me believe his floor is going to be pretty high as well by the time he gets to campus.

As long as he continues to progress over the next couple of years, I think he is someone who can compete in the rotation early in his career. He might end up being a fantastic player and still not be a multi-year starter because of how they have recruited the position, but that is a very good problem for Notre Dame to have.

Favorite quote to ISD
“I was attending a Junior Day in January when Coach Elston told me that he wanted to offer me but that I needed to improve my GPA. We both agreed that I was fully capable and we agreed once I obtained a higher GPA I could share that I had an offer. It’s funny to hear myself say this, but I was young and needed to learn how to prioritize my days and work. 

“At the end of this year, I had exceeded my goal and was beyond excited to hear Coach Elston say how proud he was of me.” 

Senior Highlights