Ryan Skibinski
Wide Receiver
Dayton
Alex Khvatov: What are your measurements (height, weight and forty time)?
Ryan Skibinski: Height is 5’11, weight is 185 and 4.41 was my best 40 time that I have hit. I always run in the low 4.4’s.
Alex Khvatov: Coming out of high school, what programs showed interest in you?
Ryan Skibinski: I had a tough junior year of high school. I got hurt twice that year. I missed half of the year. I had a good senior year. I was first team all-conference. Butler, Drake and Dayton were interested. A lot of D-II and D-III schools. Northern Illinois talked to me, but I didn’t go to their camp due to an injury. It cooled off after that.
Alex Khvatov: Why did you choose Dayton?
Ryan Skibinski: It was the best fit for me. I felt most comfortable with the coaches. I knew some kids that went there. It was a good academic school. They were just coming off a PFL Championship.
Alex Khvatov: What are your strengths?
Ryan Skibinski: The best aspect is my speed. I am a versatile player and athlete. I can go deep. They can use me on screens and jet sweeps. I am a very good route runner. I have good hands. I can be used on kick and punt returns.
Alex Khvatov: What areas of your game are you trying to improve upon?
Ryan Skibinski: Everything. I took a big step forward from my junior to senior year. I know that I can do that again. Route running can always be worked on.
Alex Khvatov: Describe your overall career.
Ryan Skibinski: I showed up at camp as a freshman. I ended up doing pretty well. I played the first game. You have to learn the playbook in order to be ready. At the college game, it is more complex than in high school. I had three catches the first game. I started six or seven games that year. I set the freshman record for receptions at the school. I had 40 catches for over 500 receiving yards. I made an immediate impact. During my sophomore and junior year, we had some struggles as a team. Our starting QB got hurt both years. I had over 400 yards and 30 catches my sophomore year. My junior year, I took another step forward. I had one rushing TD. I was used on jet sweeps, kick returns and punt returns. I had 33 receptions for almost 500 yards. During my senior year, I had over 800 yards receiving and 48 catches. I had 10 receiving TD and three rushing TD’s. I was first team all-conference as a senior. It was unanimous. I received an award at Dayton for being a senior who contributed the most to the program during his four years. I started all four years. I was consistent. I took off my senior year.
Alex Khvatov: What is the highlight of your career up to this point?
Ryan Skibinski: I remember senior year the most.
Alex Khvatov: What is your biggest accomplishment in college that you are most proud of?
Ryan Skibinski: I had 150 catches at Dayton during my four years. I became second all-time in receptions at the school. TE Adam (Trautman) is the first all-time in receptions. I am also top 2 in receiving yards at the school.
Alex Khvatov: How does your track background in high school helped you on the football field?
Ryan Skibinski: Track definitely helps. You learn how to run. I made state for 100 meters my senior year of high school. You learn how to start and maintain speed. You know how to make people miss or just run by guys.
Alex Khvatov: What is the biggest thing that you took away from your coaching staff?
Ryan Skibinski: Just doing the little things. Being disciplined and working hard. Pushing hard through everything. The most important thing is doing the right thing on and off the field. Being committed to the program.
Alex Khvatov: Tell me about your teammate TE Adam Trautman.
Ryan Skibinski: He is a very humble person. He will get drafted. He is very down to earth. He is committed to the program. He is the hardest worker. He is leader. He showed us how to do it every day. He is a captain of our team. He is the best player that I have seen. His athleticism is off the charts. He is only going to get better and do well at the next level.
Alex Khvatov: What is the most important trait for a WR?
Ryan Skibinski: Being coachable. You have to listen to the coaches and work hard on your technique. The mental aspect is the most important.
Alex Khvatov: What is your favorite NFL team?
Ryan Skibinski: I am from Chicago. The Bears are my team. I have been rooting for them since I have been very young. They are an hour away from me. I love the Bears.
Alex Khvatov: What’s your take on QB Mitchell Trubisky?
Ryan Skibinski: He is still young. He played one year of college. He is struggling this season and he has to be more consistent. He has good traits. He will keep improving. He will be a good QB for our team.
Alex Khvatov: Who is your favorite NFL player?
Ryan Skibinski: Julian Edelman is very competitive. His route running is extremely good. He came out as a QB and became one of the best receivers in the NFL. He is not the biggest guy, but he works hard. He is a great player. He is clutch. He is a fun guy to watch.
Alex Khvatov: Before the ball is snapped, what are the tendencies that you are looking for from the defense?
Ryan Skibinski: First thing, I look at the safeties whether they are rolling or off the hashes. Safeties are always an indicator on coverage. Then I look at cornerbacks’ eyes.
Alex Khvatov: What players on your team should we keep an eye on for next season?
Ryan Skibinski: DB Brandon Easterling was nominated for the Buck Buchanan award this season. He led the conference in tackles. He was making tackles and plays for us. He is big and physical. He had six or seven picks this year.
Alex Khvatov: Who is the toughest player that you have faced on an opposing team?
Ryan Skibinski: Two NFL DB’s. Jamal Agnew from San Diego. He is now on the Lions. He is an all-pro kick returner. CB Mike Ford, he is another Lions player.
Alex Khvatov: What do you enjoy most about football?
Ryan Skibinski: Playing with some of my best friends. Football is so much different than any other sport. It is a hard challenge to play football. It is great to go out there and make plays and see your teammates make plays.
Alex Khvatov: What is your definition of a leader?
Ryan Skibinski: A leader brings everybody along and influences guys. Leading and being an example. If a leader is not working hard, teammates will follow you. It will have a trickle-down effect. A leader influences his teammates.
Alex Khvatov: What are your hobbies?
Ryan Skibinski: I have a lake house. I love to go boating, surfing and wakeboarding. I also like to go fishing.
Alex Khvatov: What do you want to do with your life after your football career is over?
Ryan Skibinski: I am a finance major. I plan to graduate next spring. I would like to work for a financial advising company. I was an intern at Edward Jones this past summer.
Alex Khvatov: Where are you going to be training for the NFL Draft?
Ryan Skibinski: I am training in St. Charles, Illinois right now. My dad wants me to go to Atlanta for a couple of weeks over the winter break. I will be training at Dayton once I go back for the spring semester. I will be with my coaches and trainers. My QB’s will be able to throw to me.
Alex Khvatov: What five words best describe you?
Ryan Skibinski: Hard-working, disciplined, coachable, dependable and experienced.
