Cam Skattebo Scouting Report
By: Michael Higgins
(Image courtesy of Rich von Biberstein/Icon Sportswire via AP Photo)
School: Arizona State
Class: Senior
Position: RB
HT: 5’9
WT: 219 lbs
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Background: Cam Skattebo was an unranked and unrecruited running back in the class of 2019 out of Rio Linda, California. For Rio Linda High School, Skattebo was named an all-district member three times. He was an all-state member and League MVP as a junior. After high school, Skattebo had offers from Sacramento State and William & Mary. Cam chose to stay home and play for Sacramento State.
College: After recording 557 yards rushing, Skattebo was an All-Big Sky Third Team selection in 2021. In 2022, Skattebo was named Big Sky Offensive Player of the Year. He ran for 1,382 yards and 7 touchdowns for an undefeated Sacramento State. After the prolific 2022 season, Skattebo transferred to play for Kenny Dillingham at Arizona State. Cam played all over the offense for the Sun Devils while also punting 8 times in 2023. He ran for 788 yards and 9 touchdowns. Cam Skattebo took a big step forward in 2024, rushing for 1,711 yards and 21 touchdowns.
Strengths: Cam Skattebo is a powerful runner with contact balance to survive even the biggest hits. Skattebo always survives the initial contact before getting a second wind to gash the defense again. He does well to lower his shoulder, embrace the contact, and keep churning forward. Skattebo does well to fall forward due to his ability to lower the shoulder through contact. Defenders seem to bounce off of him like balls. He does not seem to slow down at all when met with initial contact, it will take multiple defenders to bring down Skattebo. Not only is Skattebo a violent runner and eager to meet contact in the gaps, but he waits patiently for blocks to develop in front of him. He has the vision and patience of a skilled runner, but the violence of a power runner. Skattebo has a nice acceleration that allows him to burst through gaps with power and momentum. The energy that Skattebo plays with is unmatched. There is nothing like it in this draft or in the NFL. The closest comparison is Jerome Bettis in terms of being big and dense and just running through contact without stopping.
Weaknesses: Cam Skattebo is a power runner, but he lacks a top gear of speed that poses a threat to a defense. Skattebo ran a 4.65 40-yard dash, which is a red flag. Will he be able to march an NFL offense down field with that lack of speed? Doubtful. Oftentimes, these more powerful and brutal runners are security blankets who will take care of the football. Unfortunately, Skattebo has had an extensive fumbling issue in college that raises concerns about ball security. If he cannot be relied upon to put on the burners but also cannot take care of the ball in short yardage situations, there is a very limited role for him in the NFL.
Conclusion: Cam Skattebo is a unique blend of size and skill. He is the most difficult tackle in the draft and if “The Bus” has already been used as a nickname, Skattebo can go by “The Freight Train”. He will bring that bruiser mentality to quickly give his offense an identity in the NFL.
Scheme Fit: Gap Rushing Offense
Ideal Role: Short Yardage RB
Best Team Fits: LVR, HOU, MIA
Player Comparison: Audric Estime
Player Grade: Round 3 (71.1)
