Notre Dame WR Ben Skowronek All In For Final Campaign

Dre Muhammad has worked with Notre Dame receiver Ben Skowronek for years at Traction Athletic Performance in Fort Wayne. Now, they are preparing for one final run at the collegiate level. 

The 6-foot-3, 215-pounder played his first four years at Northwestern before entering his name in the Transfer Portal as a graduate transfer in the fall. 

Skowronek has had quite the aggressive training schedule this spring, but has focused on the basics before returning to campus. 

"We're getting back to the basics with him," Muhammad stated. "Knowing his skill, technique and what he does position-wise is going to be what helps him really achieve high-level production at Notre Dame. 

"Getting in and out of breaks - he already catches the ball well, but we want to strengthen that and make sure it's not something we lose sight of and keeping his strengths his strengths."

The resume of players Muhammad has developed is long and he's known for making sure his guys have mastered everything leading up to the catch. 

"We've been working on proper turn over of his hips and footwork," explained Muhammad. "Then making sure he's taking the proper angle and depth. He's focused on working on his game from a foundational standpoint. 

"We're making sure he's as well rounded as possible before he goes back. He's done some speed training as well."

Skowronek came to Northwestern as a three-star prospect and left the program after recording 110 receptions for 1,417 yards and eight touchdowns. 

The success Skowronek had at Northwestern wasn't a surprise to Muhammad as he knew his game would thrive once he got into a college program.

Muhammad has also seen Skowronek raise his game even more over the last few months. 

"You get stronger and with that comes another level of development," Muhammad said. "The things I've been impressed with now is the precision of his technique and the soundness of technique and drill work. It's been a lot better than it's ever been. 

"Ben always wanted to play at one at National Title contender. He's always thought he could play at that level, so he's been focused on the opportunity. I think that's what has allowed him to digest what he's been given. It's showing in his work. He has a different mindset than what he's had in the past and that's not saying he wasn't focused. He added to his focus and desire to be good because he knows the stage he's going to perform on is much greater."

The added focus is natural as Notre Dame has a chance at a College Football Playoff run, but it's also a chance to make an impression on the NFL.

"It's also his last year," Muhammad stated. "You take the fact it's his last year, the bigger stage and the opportunity, you combine all those things and he sees all the possibilities. Any smart individual heading into the opportunity would increase their work ethic, mindset and focus. 

"That's what he's done. He's just upped his game and preparation. He knows he'll perform how he prepares." 

In addition to his production, Muhammad believes Notre Dame fans will come to appreciate Skowronek's overall game, including his competitive nature. 

"I think his competitiveness will surprise Notre Dame fans," said Muhammad. "When you look at him, he's a bigger receiver and catches the ball well, but he competes. He's willing to get dirty and he'll go block. He'll be a headache for opposing defenders. 

"He's one of those guys where you hate him if he's on the other team and love him if he's on your team. That's what Notre Dame will get from him and he'll fit in well. The fans and team will love him. I think the staff will appreciate him."

Skowronek has trained with Muhammad and done speed training in Florida over the last couple of months, but he also flew out to California to spend time with quarterback Ian Book. 

Muhammad believes the time with Book could be extremely beneficial to Skowronek, who was playing catch up as Notre Dame only got one spring practice.  

"There is tremendous value to work with somebody and get a feel for how they think, play and move," Muhammad explained. "That's a great thing. He was able to get a feel for Ian Book. They have a really great relationship and have been doing really well. 

"Ben has to catch up as well. He was able to get some individual work with him, which is different than group work. All the receivers at Notre Dame have already worked with Ian Book, but Ben got to catch up regarding route running and how things should be with Book."

Chemistry and timing are essential, but the time in El Dorado Hills also went a long way in mastering a new offense. 

"Book could help him with the playbook and concepts," stated Muhammad. "What routes should be this, what depth this route should be at and what play is ran at this time. They were able to work on all those tendencies. 

"With all that's going on with the pandemic, there has been less time for players to spend with each other. I think he's been able to recover some of that time by going out there to work with him." 

The decision to work with Book might not lead to 1,500 yards receiving for Skowronek, but it will likely prove itself on 3rd-and-5 in week three. 

Skowronek might have run an out route at Northwestern at eight yards in that situation, but Notre Dame runs it at six yards. It might not seem like a big deal to those watching on TV, but the work now will pay off. 

"I think that's why you see Peyton Manning and Tom Brady spend time with their receivers because it's about timing," said Muhammad. "If you can't time up with someone, it doesn't matter how talented the quarterback or receiver might be. The timing of routes, throws and getting a feel for each other is critical. 

"You can be inferior in comparison to another duo and do well because of your timing. I think it was valuable for him to get work with the starting quarterback."