Notre Dame An Easy Decision For WR Ben Skowronek

On Wednesday night, Notre Dame got good news as graduate transfer Ben Skowronek announced he would be finishing his career in South Bend. 

The choice to head to Notre Dame wasn't difficult for the former Northwestern receiver as it was a place the Fort Wayne (Ind.) native was familiar with from his high school recruitment. 

"Early in the process, I identified Notre Dame as a school I'd be interested in and they reached out to me after I entered the portal," Skowronek told Irish Sports Daily. "We talked, I got there on a visit and I really liked it. I liked the coaches, the players and the tradition of Notre Dame. 

"Before schools started reaching out to me, it was one I had talked to my parents and people close to me about. We all said Notre Dame had the potential to be a really good fit." 

Skowronek is an established college receiver as he recorded 110 receptions for 1,417 yards and eight touchdowns at Northwestern, which will immediately help a young Irish receiving corps. 

The recruiting process was a little different this time around as Skowronek used that experience to make the best decision for him. 

"You don't know what you know now as a high school kid," explained Skowronek. "I've been through four years of college football. I know what to expect and what I wanted in a school. It was really easy. 

"It was just different from high school. When you're 16 or 17, you don't really know what college football is like. When you're a 22, you know exactly what you want and it makes it easy." 

On his visit, Skowronek had the chance to meet and spend time with receivers coach Del Alexander. 

The message from Alexander wasn't about guaranteeing him a starting spot, but coming in and getting to work.

"He's a great guy and I enjoyed my time with him," explained Skowronek. "His message was about coming in and working. I want to work and make the most of this opportunity. That was really his core message. I had a great time on the visit getting to know him and building that relationship." 

Skowronek got in and out of his Notre Dame visit without many knowing as he was in town after The Echoes banquet in December. 

Quarterback Ian Book hosted the 6-foot-4, 215-pounder and the two hit it off. 

"Ian is a great guy and we really got along," Skowronek said. "I actually met him in Chicago a couple years ago, but the visit was the first time I really got to talk to him. We got along really well. 

"The relationship I can have with a quarterback was a deciding factor for me. I'm really excited to work with him in January." 

As for Skowronek's plans academically, he plans to decide before he arrives in a few weeks on whether or not he'll pursue a Master's degree from Notre Dame.

"I'm going to talk to the academic people and everything," said Skowronek. "I'm going to do what's best for me and what can help me reach my goals."