Cameron Skattebo, Arizona State's do-it-all RB, meets a new audience in Big 12

TEMPE, Ariz. — Cameron Skattebo’s breakout second final season got here on fourth down in Week 4 towards USC. Arizona State trailed 35-21 and time was working out. Because the Solar Devils ready for the massive play, Skattebo instructed quarterback Drew Pyne, “Dude, I’m going to be open. Simply throw me the ball.”

Skattebo is among the many extra distinctive gamers in school soccer. As final season unfolded, he turned a finalist for the Hornung Award, given to the game’s most versatile participant, a stage Skattebo reached for his capacity to move or punt in a pinch. But it surely’s additionally the title.

The Norwegian surname makes folks sound it out as if in kindergarten class — Skat-te-bo. The final syllable will not be “Bo” as in Jackson however “Boo” as in Halloween. At first, Skattebo says folks butchered his final title. However as soon as they realized, it turned troublesome to neglect. At Burrito Categorical, a neighborhood restaurant, Skattebo has a burrito named after him. A part of that has to do along with his soccer standing, but additionally, the title. The Boo-rrito.

Towards USC, Skattebo caught Pyne’s quick move close to the sideline. He turned and noticed two defenders. “Oh, crap,” he thought. In his first yr since transferring from Sacramento State, Skattebo was listed at 5-foot-10, 225 kilos. His pace was removed from elite, however he had energy. He additionally had one thing else.

A current archives test, courting to Skattebo’s days at Rio Linda Excessive close to Sacramento, produced 5 adjectives typically related to him. Workhorse. Competitor. Versatile. Relentless. Bruising. In a current telephone dialog, these 5 have been offered to Leo Skattebo after he was requested to establish his son’s superpower.

Workhorse …

Competitor …

“Will,” interrupted Leo Skattebo. “His will to succeed or his will to win or do issues that different folks can’t do, that’s his superpower.”

Cameron Skattebo in some way stays on his ft! 👀 pic.twitter.com/bW3Voilpz5

— Pac-12 Convention (@pac12) September 24, 2023

Leo Skattebo coached his son in youth leagues. In brief-yardage conditions, his play-calling was sensible in its simplicity. Just about simply, “Cameron, we want a yard.” Go get it. As he grew in highschool and school, Skattebo established a popularity and magnificence. ABC10 tv reporter Kevin John could have acknowledged it greatest in a 2022 Sacramento Bee predictions column: “In the event you put Cameron Skattebo in a hoop with a grizzly bear,” he mentioned, “say a prayer for the grizzly bear.”

Skattebo spun across the first USC defender and misplaced stability. He positioned his left hand within the Mountain America Stadium turf, retaining his legs transferring. He regarded up and noticed USC security Max Williams positioned to make the deal with. Staying low, Skattebo ran by way of him and down the sideline, 52 yards. “Skattebo, Skatte-can, Skatte-touchdown,” Tim Brando mentioned on the FOX broadcast.

“I simply bear in mind working to the top zone, pondering, ‘Oh my gosh, this actually occurred,’” Skattebo mentioned whereas watching the spotlight just lately.

The play was just about Skattebo’s FBS coming-out celebration. It additionally mirrored his journey. Regardless of setting Northern California highschool speeding information, Sac State was the one faculty to supply a full athletic scholarship. Take the hit. Discover stability. Hold going. Even now, with Skattebo at Arizona State, Leo Skattebo’s frustration relating to his son’s recruitment is unmistakable. How coaches mentioned Skattebo lacked dimension for the place. How they mentioned he was higher fitted to linebacker.

Skattebo final season proved in any other case. He rushed for 783 yards and 9 touchdowns behind a beat-up Arizona State line. He had 24 receptions. A “wildcat” quarterback, he threw 15 passes, together with one for a landing. A fast-kick specialist, he punted eight instances for a median of 42.3 yards. General, he was a pleasant participant on a three-win crew. As Arizona State shifts to the Large 12, the place opposing followers and media could as soon as once more stumble over his title, he’ll must be higher. The Solar Devils open Saturday night time towards Wyoming.

Cameron Skattebo throws a move towards Oregon final season. Primarily a working again, he additionally had 15 passes, 24 receptions and eight punts in 2023. (Christian Petersen / Getty Photos)

Coach Kenny Dillingham says Skattebo is a good lesson in perseverance, however he’s most happy with how the senior has improved his work habits. A chip on the shoulder will be highly effective, nevertheless it typically requires adjustment. From “That is the place I ought to be” to “That is how I get higher.” Dillingham mentioned all the things Skattebo has pushed for — he desires to play within the NFL — is inside attain. And that Skattebo has realized to compete towards himself as a substitute of notion.

Along with working the ball, Skattebo this season will take part on Arizona State’s kickoff crew. Dillingham says each time Arizona State practices this, Skattebo hits 20-20.5 mph working downfield. Final yr Dillingham mentioned this by no means would have occurred as a result of, one, there’s no likelihood Skattebo would have wished to be on kickoff, two, he wouldn’t have run full pace, and three, he wouldn’t have hit 20-20.5 mph.

“I confirmed that to the crew the opposite day as a result of that’s a mirrored image of how I would like our soccer crew to be,” Dillingham mentioned.

Right down to 217 kilos, Skattebo was requested if the USC play final season proved he might play at this stage. He mentioned it might need proved it to others. Like, “OK, this man’s slightly extra particular than what we thought.” However inside, he knew. He simply wanted a chance. And after a powerful offseason, Skattebo says there’s extra to come back.

“I nonetheless have one other stage,” he mentioned.