Cam Skattebo: Proving the Doubters Wrong and Climbing the NFL Draft Boards
Cam Skattebo has been one of the most intriguing stories in college football over the past few years. A lightly recruited player out of high school, he took the only scholarship he was offered and made the most of it, becoming one of the most dynamic running backs in the country. After two seasons at Sacramento State in the Big Sky Conference, he transferred to Arizona State under coach Kenny Dillingham for his final two college seasons.
While his transfer was relatively quiet in 2023, Skattebo erupted in 2024, finishing fifth in Heisman Trophy voting and earning high praise from Alabama’s Nick Saban, who referred to him as his “favorite player in college football.” Skattebo put together one of the most complete seasons for a running back in recent history, accumulating 1,711 rushing yards (5.8 yards per carry), 605 receiving yards (13.4 yards per catch), and 25 total touchdowns in 13 games, while also contributing on special teams.
However, despite his incredible season, Mel Kiper Jr.‘s NFL Draft rankings have Skattebo surprisingly ranked as the eighth-best running back in the class, far behind some players he outperformed in 2024. Kiper’s rankings include:
- Ashton Jeanty (Boise State)
- Omarion Hampton (North Carolina)
- LeQuint Allen (Syracuse)
- Dylan Sampson (Tennessee)
- Quinshon Judkins (Ohio State)
- Kaleb Johnson (Iowa)
- RJ Harvey (UCF)
- Cam Skattebo (Arizona State)
- TreVeyon Henderson (Ohio State)
- Devin Neal (Kansas)
Despite not being ranked as high as others, Skattebo possesses a unique skill set that has NFL scouts paying attention. He is a tackle-breaking machine with an elite jump cut, excellent hands, and has worked hard to improve his speed and overall physicality. His former coach at Arizona State, Kenny Dillingham, praised Skattebo for his commitment to improving his body, noting the hard work he put in during the offseason to build strength, reduce body fat, and increase speed. Dillingham emphasized how much Skattebo’s game improved as a result.
While some have Skattebo pegged to go as high as the third round in the 2025 NFL Draft, Pro Football Network’s latest mock draft has him going at pick No. 76 in the third round to the Dallas Cowboys, making him the fifth running back selected.
Skattebo’s chance to rise further up the draft boards will come during the NFL Draft Combine in Indianapolis from Feb. 27 to March 2, where his physical skills and performance could help prove he belongs among the top backs in the class.
As he looks to prove the doubters wrong, Skattebo’s journey from overlooked prospect to Heisman contender is a reminder that with hard work, talent, and a willingness to improve, anything is possible in football. He’ll be one to watch closely in the lead-up to the 2025 NFL Draft.
