Notre Dame Football Recruiting: 4-Star defensive tackle Gabriel Rubio commits to the Irish

The Notre Dame Fighting Irish are on a great recruiting run right now for the 2020 class, and now they add another blue-chipper to the 2021 class with the commitment of 4-Star defensive tackle Gabriel Rubio.

Why is Rubio committing so early in the 2021 cycle? Well, according to the man himself, this is the path that he wants to take and he seems very determined to make it his own.

I was told at an early age that everyone’s recruiting path is different. I’ve said from the beginning that I’m not trying to collect offers..... I’m focuses on finding the one that is perfect for me.

While the announcement comes during a visit from Rubio to Notre Dame this weekend, the 6’6” 290 pounder from Missouri has been a silent commitment to the Irish for several weeks.

In fact... Rubio committed to Notre Dame the moment he got the verbal offer from Mike Elston. Let’s take a moment to say a “God bless you Elston family.”

Rubio’s sheer size and length automatically make one offer up comparisons to former Irish great, Jerry Tillery. I won’t go that far (yet) but he is the type of pass-rushing defensive tackle at the 3 technique that every team in the country covets.

From 247’s evaluation:

Tall prospect who is already filled in with a lot of good weight. Will be a massive player come college. A good athlete for his size. Redirects well, can win with finesse and closes like a smaller player. Has a violent club move and good strength. Shocks blockers with initial contact. Has a good swim move as well. Technically, he is farther along than most his age. Playing consistently lower will be important for him because of his height, but he can bend. Could play end in a 3-4 or tackle in a 4-3. Projects as a potential early impact guy in college because he has technique in addition to his physical tools. Should develop into an NFL draft choice after his college career.

This is the third 4-Star recruit that has committed to Notre Dame’s 2021 class and the first player on the defensive side.

Throw up a fist pump or two for a HUGE commitment for Notre Dame, and an excellent start to the 2021 cycle!