It’s safe to say that running back Cam Skattebo is one of the most important players on the Arizona State team. If you don’t believe it just watch last week’s game vs. USC and see for yourself.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!Last week, Skattebo combined for 232 yards of total offense for Arizona State. To put this in perspective, Arizona State’s offense had a total of 353 yards of offense.
Tough loss but this dude was the best player on the field.
20 carries 111 yards, 4 catches 79 yards, and 2/3 42 yards passing. #ForksUp#ActivateTheValley pic.twitter.com/mR0YCoa3bB
— Burn City Sports (@BurnCitySports) September 24, 2023
Skattbo rushed for 111 yards on 20 carries and a touchdown, caught 4 receptions for 79 yards and a touchdown, and threw for 42 yards on 2/3 attempts. He also punted the ball inside the opponent’s 20-yard line which was easily the best punt of the game.
After the game on Saturday, Skattebo talked about his performance as a whole and how he believes through and through that he’s just a football player.
“Yeah I mean I like to do everything, I believe I could do everything So when they put me in those situations I believe I’m going to excel at them… I’m put at the right position with the right guys around me so I’m just going to keep playing hard and trusting what the coaches got for us.”
To put his season into perspective, Skattebo ranks fourth in the nation amongst Power 5 running backs in forced missed tackles.
Leaders in missed tackles forced this season⚡️ pic.twitter.com/enTWt0XV7w
— PFF College (@PFF_College) September 28, 2023
One of the biggest plays that helps the case for why he’s one of the top leaders in this spot has a lot to do with his big-time play against USC on 4th and 7.
CAM SKATTEBO. The RB scores on a 52-yard pass on a 4th & 7 to cut into the USC lead! 35-28 Trojans with 8:06 to go.
Skattebo has two touchdowns total now and 42 yards passing, 96 yards rushing and 65 yards receiving now. Heck of a game for the Sac St. transfer #USCvsASU pic.twitter.com/giRPfFox6N
— Burn City Sports (@BurnCitySports) September 24, 2023
Dillingham took notice of this after watching the film on Saturday’s game and discussed his play on Monday at his press conference.
“He ran with better tracks: He ran downhill instead of bouncing everything,” Dillingham said. “Early in the season, he liked to jump cut a lot. I think that’s him adapting to this level, he used to also be one of the best athletes on the field, one of the fastest guys and he was used to just out-athleteing, out-strengthening people. This was the first game he really trusted his tracks, and stayed tight on double teams and you saw him be able to then run off double teams and keep a pad level. It was really good to see his growth.”
After Dillingham’s comments, it’s safe to say that Skattebo is slowly starting to figure out how to compete and play at the Power 5 level. It’s also safe to say that this is only the beginning for Skattebo and the ASU offense as they look to try to get more healthy.
