BREAKING | 2021 Four-Star DT Gabriel Rubio Commits To Notre Dame

Notre Dame boasts one of the most talented defensive line classes in the 2020 recruiting class and the 2021 class got off to a heck of a start as Lutheran (Mo.) defensive tackle Gabriel Rubio‍ has committed to the Fighting Irish. 

The 6-foot-5, 275-pounder committed to head coach Brian Kelly on Friday afternoon as the four-star prospect is in South Bend for the Lineman’s Challenge on Saturday. 

Rubio’s recruitment started a year ago as he was in town for the Lineman’s Challenge. The Missouri native wasn’t on the radar when he arrived, but Rubio was definitely a priority by the time he left South Bend. 

“I was so comfortable with Notre Dame so early on because I had success early on and got a lot of attention and feedback,” said Rubio. “No one knew who I was. I was quickly grouped with the guys that they were recruiting and I ended up performing good against them. Coach Elston kept asking me where I was from and how old I was. It’s a good feeling when coaches are paying attention to you.”

After a visit in the fall, both parties seemed like a match which has led to a commitment and Rubio being more than comfortable giving an early pledge to the Irish over the likes of Cal, Georgia, Iowa, Kentucky, Louisville, LSU, Michigan State, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, Ohio State, Oklahoma, Oklahoma State, Texas, Texas A&M and Vanderbilt.

However, it was a message from his father that led to Rubio making his commitment to Notre Dame. 

“When recruiting started for me I asked my dad a lot of questions to get an idea of how it might go,” Rubio said. “He said something that has stuck with me ever since. He said that recruitment isn’t about collecting scholarship offers. It’s about finding that one perfect place for me to develop and grow both on and off the field.

“He said that if I can find a coach that cares about me as much as he cares about his own career, then that’s special. I believed that I found that in Notre Dame, but I had to visit other coaches and schools to be sure. Since I know that Notre Dame is the best place for me, I’m not afraid to commit so early in my recruitment.”

Elston demonstrated the will to care for his players and it was something Rubio immediately gravitated to since they first met last summer. 

“Coach Elston is excellent,” said Rubio. “He’s a coach that not only makes you better but makes you want to work hard for. I’d run through walls for him. That takes trust. I trust him a lot.” 

Rubio joins quarterback Tyler Buchner‍ and offensive lineman Greg Crippen‍ in the 2021 recruiting class for Notre Dame. 

Follow ISD on Facebook and Instagram! 

Stay tuned to IrishSportsDaily for much more on Rubio’s commitment to Notre Dame.