While the Nebraska football team did a lot right against Illinois on Saturday, there were some things that went very, very wrong. Chief among the problems the Cornhuskers are still having is up front on defense. The front seven simply aren't getting much in the way of pass rush and they are still allowing far too many gaps for running backs to dash through. Never let it be said that Scott Frost and company don't know exactly what is going right and going wrong.

This particular coaching staff makes no bones about the kind of talent they are going after for future squads.

That includes a decent amount of time into the future. One case in point is the unofficial visit of defensive tackle Gabriel Rubio. Should he decide that he wants to be part of the Husker program, he won't be able to do so until December of 2020. Sill, the 2021 prospect has been getting more attention from FBS programs and the Cornhuskers want their shot.

Nebraska football looking for the 'backyard boys'

Rubio announced earlier in the week he would be taking an unofficial visit to see Lincoln up close and personal. It wasn't a particularly long trip since the defensive tackle hails from Saint Peters, Missouri. He is one of those players you hear the coaches talking about all the time when it comes to wanting to make sure they are getting guys that are growing up in their backyard.

Missouri isn't quite as close as Iowa but it's close enough that family would be able to come and see Rubio play for the Nebraska football team if he decided to do so.

Gabriel Rubio a rising prospect from the 2021 class

For whatever reason, the defensive tackle hasn't been highly sought after just yet.

While he is looking at schools like the Nebraska football team and Missouri, his only FBS offer has come from Louisville. At the same time, it's clear he has the kind of body that should be able to play at the next level. There might be some debate as to whether or not he's going to be playing defensive tackle at that next level.

He's also still got some time to grow.

Gabriel Rubio is currently weighing in at 280 and stands 6-5. While the Cardinals are the only team to give him an official offer, Missouri and Nebraska are giving him a hard look. He, in turn, took a hard look at what Memorial stadium had to offer and came away quite the fan. Among other comments Rubio said on his Twitter account, he believes the Nebraska football team was firing on all cylinders. Now we'll have to wait and see if and when the prospect gets himself an official offer.
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