Just two seasons ago, Cam Skattebo made the career decision to transfer from FCS Sacramento State to Arizona State. At the end of last season, Coach Kenny Dillingham told Cam that he wasn't a RB that he saw playing on Sunday, but gave him a list of things that could make him one.
Slim down 10-15 pounds
Be willing to do whatever it takes to be successful
Be a leader
Just one season after that list was drawn up, Skattebo was arguably one of the best RB's in the nation with over 2200 All-Purpose Yards for the Sun Devils. In this article, we are going to break down the success of Skattebo in 2024, NFL comparisons, Draft Position, and finally, where does Skattebo fit.
What can ASU fans expect for Cam Skattebo?
While some people could make an argument that ASU's star could be a late first-round pick, the reality is, Cam will be a late second-round pick or early third. Standing at 5'11" and 225 lbs, this puts him on the small side of RBs in the NFL. The smaller the running back, you typically expect them to be shifty and avoid the hit. The opposite is the case for Cam, he likes to go head on and knock people down.
Cam had a total of six games where he ran for over 140 yards on the ground and had over 200 all-purpose yards in those games. Cam provides more to the team that drafts him than just being a bruiser of a running back. Cam likes to throw the ball, as seen on his 48-yard TD pass vs Texas in the CFP Quarter Finals, he can catch the ball out of the backfield, and he can run the ball.
The team willing to take a flyer on Cam will likely be one who already has a solidified back in the league whom Cam can sit behind for a year or two and prove himself as a 3rd down back, trick plays, or even some special teams. This is what Coach Dillingham was referring to when he said be willing to do whatever it takes. If Cam wants to play on Sunday, he is going to have to do stuff that he doesnt love, thats just the facts.
What team fits Skattebo's style?
While I think it is possible that Cam Skattebo can make his way on any team in the NFL and be successful, simply because he is that type of guy with a winning mentality, there are a few teams that stand out. The Arizona Cardinals, the Buffalo Bills, and the San Francisco 49ers all light up in my eyes. All three of these teams already have a shifty guy who is a 3-down back but could use a bruiser to get to two or three yards late in the game.
Giving Skattebo the chance to develop for a season or two behind the likes of a James Connor, James Cook, or Christian McCaffery would only skyrocket the young man's self-esteem, his prowess, and his long-term success in the league.
Player Comparisons:
If given the time to develop under a good system in the league, Cam can develop to be one of the best in the league. Cam has the build, the mental aptitude, and the drive to be like some of the best in the country. A current comparison for Skattebo right now would be that of a James Connor of the Arizona Cardinals. Connor has proven success in the league by putting his head down and plowing over people in the secondary. Cam Skattebo also reminds me of a young Saquon Barkley. While he doesn't have the draft grade that Barkley did in 2018, a good combine can skyrocket his draft grade.
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