This past college football season, fans witnessed the Arizona State Sun Devils defy expectations, climbing from a preseason projection of last place in the Big 12 to winning the conference and turning the Peach Bowl into one of the wildest games of the year. While Coach Kenny Dillingham rightly receives much of the credit, one of his standout players has emerged as a top running back prospect in this draft class.
Cam Skattebo’s journey began as an under-recruited running back at Sacramento State. After earning All-Big Sky honors during multiple standout seasons with the Hornets, he transferred to Arizona State and displayed impressive versatility. Over the past two seasons, Skattebo has accumulated 2,494 rushing yards and 30 touchdowns, caught 49 passes for 891 receiving yards and 4 touchdowns, and even contributed as a passer, completing 7 of 17 attempts for 172 yards, 2 touchdowns, and 1 interception.
PLAYER INFO
NAME: Cam Skattebo
POSITION: RB
JERSEY: 4
CLASS: Senior
SCHOOL: Arizona State
HEIGHT: 5’11
WEIGHT: 215
STRENGTHS
Skattebo is a violent runner who isn’t afraid to initiate contact to gain extra yards. He has good vision inside the tackles, looking for a cutback lane. He gives one hundred percent on every play, always keeping his legs going if he is stopped by a defender. He has a solid initial burst when he gets the ball. He displays versatility with his passing and receiving skills, which can give offensive coordinators different ways to use him. He goes more north-south than east-west when running with the ball. He also displays how he is an all-around back with his pass-blocking ability, always trying to block free rushers. He displays good balance to stay upright after hits.
WEAKNESSES
While he has a lot of good in his game, he does not have top-end speed, allowing defenders to catch up to him after his initial burst wears off. In the open field, he is not that elusive, usually letting defenders catch up to him after the initial burst and acceleration.
PROJECTION
I see Cam Skattebo as a Day 2 pick for teams who are looking to either add to their running back depth or get a RB2 who can get you 10-12 carries a game. He will be a good character fit in any locker room due to his competitive nature, and always fighting to help his team win.
Some team fits:
- Green Bay Packers: AJ Dillon may or may not be returning to Green Bay so Packers can look at someone who plays the same style as Dillon but is a better receiving option
- Cincinnati Bengals: While Chase Brown grew into RB1 for the Bengals, the rest of the Bengals running back are free agents and Zack Moss is coming off a neck injury. It would be wise for Cincinnati to add some RB insurance in Skattebo, and give Burrow a running back who can catch the ball.
- Detroit Lions: A player who runs hard every play and fights til the end of the game every game? His character matches what Dan Campbell wants in his team, and he can relieve David Montgomery and Jahmyr Gibbs for a couple of plays.
- Miami Dolphins: While Skattebo does not match the speedy backs that Mike McDaniel likes to use, his play style could open up new ways to draw up plays and could take some pressure off De’Von Achane and Raheem Mostert.
