Blue & Gold Illustrated: America's Foremost Authority on Notre Dame Football
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www.BLUEANDGOLD.com NOV. 13, 2021 51 IRISH IN THE PROS important part of our family," Skow- ronek said. "We're all very competitive." CHANGE OF SCENERY Not unlike the veteran leadership and notable productivity that Irish quarter- back Jack Coan carried with him from Wisconsin when he arrived to Notre Dame as a graduate transfer in 2021, Skowronek brought a similar profile when he came to campus as a graduate transfer from Northwestern in 2020. A productive player for the Wildcats, Skowronek started all 27 games as a sophomore and junior at Northwestern and recorded 90 catches for 1,206 yards with eight touchdowns. But in the same way a foot injury cost Coan his starting spot with the Badgers in 2020, an ankle injury cost Skowronek all but three games of his senior sea- son with the Wildcats in 2019, which dropped him down the depth chart and led to short courtship and quick gradu- ate transfer to Notre Dame in 2020. "I've been through college football. I've played four years," Skowronek explained of what he called an "easy" relocation decision. "I kind of knew exactly what I wanted in a program. I knew what to look for. Notre Dame checked every box." Skowronek finished his one season at Notre Dame in 2020 with 29 receptions and 439 yards, including a team-high five touchdown catches and plenty of pre-draft assuredness. At 6-foot-3 and 224 pounds, Skow- ronek's lanky build, long strides and sneaky speed make him a versatile target. "I believe I'm one of the most unique prospects in this draft with my height, weight and speed, as well as my physi- cality, ball skills, just my overall football skills," said Skowronek, who has also become a valuable kickoff returner for the Rams. "You can pop on the tape and I'm going to set myself apart from the majority of those prospects." Tall, big, lanky and basketball ath- letic, Skowronek was a jump-ball weapon and a deep-ball threat for both of his college teams, while at the same time, he became the highest rated run- blocking wide receiver in the NCAA last season, according to Pro Football Focus. A foot injury kept Skowronek out of Senior Bowl and the Notre Dame pro day workouts earlier this year, but unafraid of going unnoticed, this mar- ginal NFL prospect was certain his body of work and skill set would stand out during player evaluations. "I believe my film speaks for itself," Skowronek said confidently before the draft. "You can see me catching balls, pancaking guys, being physical." Depth-chart shuffling and in-house contract conflicts have helped to lift Skowronek to the No. 4 wide receiver for the Rams. He played a career-high 20 snaps in a 38-22 win over Houston Oct. 31 and caught all three of his targets in the game for 30 yards, his first career receptions. With growing responsibilities on one of the best teams in the NFL, Skow- ronek relishes his chance to sponge off standout teammates such as Cooper Kupp and Robert Woods. "Obviously the receiver room is super talented and that's awesome for me be- ing a young guy, coming in here and just being able to learn from vets who are so good at what they do. I'm obviously going to steal stuff from their game, being able to watch them, ask them questions," Skowronek explained. "But at the end of the day, I'm not going to try to be anybody else. I'm going to try to be the best version of myself. "I'm really excited to keep growing and see where it goes." ✦ MEMORABILIA Call 877-630-8768 to advertise in Blue & Gold Illustrated! Want a prayer published? Call 800-421-7751 M A R K E T P L A C E Vintage Notre Dame Memorabilia Augie's Locker Room ND Stadium Items, Jerseys, Helmets, Autographs and One-of-a-Kind Rockne Items. COME INTO THE STORE TO SEE OUR RARE NOTRE DAME HELMET DISPLAY, 1900 - PRESENT!! Voted Best Notre Dame Collectibles in the Country! 1811 South Bend Ave. South Bend , I n 46637 574-277-NDND (6363) www.augieslockerroom.com FACEBOOK.COM/AUGIESLOCKERROOM NOTRE DAME FOOTBALL GAMES on VHS or DVD for sale, from 1928 to present. Contact Peter Rahas at 7700 Golden Filly St., Las Vegas, NV 89131 or call 1-702-395-2974 PERSONALS PRAYER TO THE BLESSED MOTHER - Oh, most beautiful flower of Mount Carmel, fruitful vine, splendor of Heaven. Blessed Mother of the Son of God; Immaculate Vir- gin, assist me in this necessity. Oh, Star of the Sea, help me and show me you are my Mother. Oh, Holy Mary, Mother of God, Queen of Heaven and Earth, I humbly be- seech you from the bottom of my heart to succour me in my necessity. There are none that can withstand your power. Oh, Mary, conceived without sin, pray for us who have recourse to thee. (3 times). Holy Mary, I place this prayer in your hands. (3 times). Sweet Mother I place this cause in your hands. (3 times). Thank you for your mercy to me and mine. Amen. This prayer must be said for 3 days and after 3 days your request will be granted and the prayer must be published. Thank you. J.R. POWERFUL PRAYER - to the Holy Spir- it. You who solve all problems, who lights all roads so that I can obtain my goals. You who give me the Divine gift to forgive and to forget all evil against me and that in all instances of my life, you are with me. I want in this short prayer to thank You for all things and to confirm that I never want to be separated from You, even and in spite of all material illusions. I wish to be with You in eternal glory. Thank You for your mercy toward me and mine. The person must say this prayer for three consecutive days. After three days the favor requested will be granted even though it may appear difficult. This prayer must be published immediately after the favor is granted without mentioning the favor. J.R.