Nebraska Football: Huskers eyeing future with DT Gabriel Rubio

Nebraska Football is hosting prospect Gabriel Rubio this weekend.

Although the year 2021 may seem like it is far away, the reality is that it’s not that far at all. Nebraska football will be looking towards the future as they are set to host a big-time 2021 prospect this weekend.

Defensive tackle Gabriel Rubio who hails from Lutheran High School of St. Charles County announced via Twitter that he is coming to Lincoln for Nebraska’s Junior Day. He is currently not ranked by 247Sports, however I expect that to change in the near future.

More from Husker Corner

• Former Nebraska football star returns to the program in new role
• Travis Hunter injury uproar has some Nebraska football fans reminding Colorado about Adrian Martinez
• Nebraska Football: Freshman RB in line for big playing time
• Nebraska Cornhuskers News: Heinrich Haarberg has believer in Rhule, more
• Nebraska Football: Matt Rhule faces tough decision between Heinrich Haarberg and Jeff Sims

Rubio has a lot of potential and could be an impact playmaker for the Nebraska defense. Measuring in at six-foot-five, 280 pounds, he is a force to be reckoned with. He could be a tremendous asset to the defensive line.

In watching his film, it is impressive how quickly he can shed his blocks. He uses a tremendous combination of  rip and swim moves to get by the offensive lineman. He is not afraid to hit  opposing offensive  players either. He finishes tackles nicely and always make sure to wrap up. One of the things that will work in his favor at the collegiate level is his ability to move his feet. He is very quick and shifty for his size and that in combination with his ability to get by the linemen make him a matchup nightmare.

His stock began to rise in December 2018. He received an offer from Kentucky on December 3, and added an offer from Illinois to his collection the day after. He then would receive an offer from Iowa on December 16. More recently,  he received an offer from Ohio State on January 22 and an offer from Ball State on January 25. He took an unofficial visit to Notre Dame on January 26, wrapping up a busy stretch for him. Surely, those are not going to be his only offers as with his talent, he has the potential to be one of the more sought-after prospects on the college football circuit.

What would he bring to Nebraska? Just from a skill point of view, he would give them a bona fide pass rusher. That seems to be what he excels at, and that is perfectly okay. He is very good at getting to the quarterback and he would immediately make the Nebraska football defense one of the more feared in the Big Ten Conference. It would be fun to see this guy on the Nebraska football field. However, it is also important not to get too ahead of ourselves.

For now, the biggest thing the Nebraska football program has to worry about it is National Signing Day next week. If they can get good momentum there, this could impact how they do down the road and with future classes, one of them being the 2021 group. It will be interesting to see who they land.