Gabriel Rubio is a game-changing weapon on the football field.
The four-star defensive tackle has looked exceptional for Lutheran High School of St. Charles County in Saint Peters, Missouri, and college football coaches everywhere have agreed.
Rubio is the son of Angel Rubio, an NFL journeyman who spent time with the Pittsburgh Steelers, Cincinnati Bengals, and San Francisco 49ers.
Angel has plenty to be proud about. Gabriel committed to the Notre Dame Fighting Irish way back in 2019, and he will be suiting up for head coach Brian Kelly in 2021.
Gabriel Rubio Commits to Notre Dame
It?s time... pic.twitter.com/ZgDxmDjtti
— Gabriel Rubio (@GabeRubio97) December 17, 2020
RELATED: 4-Star Lineman, Son of Former NFL Vet, Signs With CFP Contender
Some strong NCAA programs tried to sign four-star defensive tackle Gabriel Rubio, including Ball State, California, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisville, LSU, Michigan State, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, Ohio State, Oklahoma, Oklahoma State, Texas A&M, and Vanderbilt.
In the end, the Irish won the sweepstakes.
University of Notre Dame football has plenty of talent, but they're going to need an additional leap to compete with teams like Alabama and Ohio State consistently. Rubio is a guy who can help make that difference.
Recruited by defensive line coach Mike Elston, Rubio hasn't wavered from his dedication to this program. The stud lineman is certainly hoping that his loyalty pays off in the form of a starting job early on in his career.
DT Gabriel Rubio Highlights
Rubio is one of the top prospects from the St. Louis area in this recruiting class. He already weighs over 300 pounds and has the speed and athleticism of someone much lighter.
His versatility helped him in high school and could lead him to become a defensive line anchor with Notre Dame.
Trench work... pic.twitter.com/4EGjSYpxxb
— Gabriel Rubio (@GabeRubio97) April 12, 2021
Rubio is a four-star prospect and a Sports Illustrated All-American, and scouts are enamored with his potential. He has a legitimate chance of being selected in the NFL Draft down the road, especially if he can keep growing and improving on his footwork.
Fighting Irish fans are looking for the elusive College Football Playoff victory, and Brian Kelly is trying his hardest to get one.
For that to happen, players like Gabriel Rubio are going to have to reach their potential. Notre Dame seems confident that he will pass that test with flying colors.
