The possibility for at least one uplifting camp storyline has been destroyed, as Notre Dame reported on Thursday that senior defensive tackle Gabriel Rubio broke his foot during the Irish’s first session of fall camp the day before.
It was Rubio’s first practice with Notre Dame after missing the spring semester “to attend to personal matters.”
The timetable for Rubio’s return is unknown, although Notre Dame has stated that he is anticipated to play this season.
With his future uncertain in the spring, the Irish expected him to miss the season, but his return was regarded as a significant boost to the front seven.
He appeared to be on track for a breakout season last autumn, but he was sidelined by a knee injury sustained in the season opener.
He finished with 11 tackles, eight pressures, and no tackles for loss in nine games. However, as ISD specialist Jamie Uyeyama discovered, those statistics do not correctly reflect his performance on the field.
With Rubio out again, the Irish will have to rely even more on Howard Cross and Rylie Mills in the center.
Jason Onye and Donovan Hinish return with some playing experience, while Brenan Vernon, Armel Mukam, and Devan Houstan will advance in their contests to join the rotation.
Sean Sevillano, a true freshman, should also see his reps increase in Rubio’s absence.
