Arizona State Sun Devils running back Cam Skattebo has caught the attention of football fans and analysts after his Peach Bowl heroics. Skattebo recorded 143 rushing yards, eight catches for 99 yards, two rushing scores, and even a 42-yard touchdown pass in the outing.
While the Sun Devils fell short to the Texas Longhorns in double overtime, the senior running back’s performance earned Skattebo the Peach Bowl Offensive MVP and a spotlight in NFL Draft discussions.
Chad Johnson Backs ‘Real Deal’ Cam Skattebo for NFL Success
Former NFL stars Shannon Sharpe and Chad “Ochocinco” Johnson weighed in on Skattebo’s future during an episode of “Nightcap.” Ocho was full of praise, dubbing Skattebo “the real deal.”
“I’mma call him Skat Pack. I’mma call him Scam Cam Skat Pack. He nice. He’s a senior too, he coming out. Cam Skattebo, I know you probably gonna see this, I know you probably watching the show, listen, if you don’t see it, I know my son going to let you know.
“Boy, you the real deal boy! You hear me. You know where you belong? He run the ball like he belong in the NFL, he’s supposed to play for the Ravens or the Browns,” Johnson said.
Skattebo’s grit and ability to grind out tough yards mirror the physical rushing identities of both the Baltimore Ravens and Cleveland Browns.
His physicality makes him a compelling NFL prospect. Standing at 5-foot-11 and 205 pounds, Skattebo has drawn comparisons to players like Carolina Panthers RB Chuba Hubbard for his balance and vision.
Skattebo offers more upside in the passing game, though, than Hubbard does, which could make him an invaluable asset in today’s NFL. He’s even been likened to Kenneth Gainwell and Austin Ekeler for his ability to contribute in multiple facets of the game.
Still, Skattebo faces skepticism as he transitions to the NFL. Scouts worry about his athletic testing, particularly his 40-yard dash time (4.7 seconds). Despite his impressive college production, a slower-than-expected time in the NFL Combine in February could drop him into the later draft rounds.
The Ravens, known for their run-heavy schemes, and the Browns, emphasizing physicality, would be natural fits for Skattebo’s style. Both teams could use a backfield option capable of handling short-yardage situations and contributing as a reliable receiver.
Skattebo’s stock will hinge on his combined performance and team interviews with the NFL Draft set in April. His Peach Bowl performance for Arizona State has already proven he can rise to the occasion. All it takes is one team willing to bet on his determination and all-around skill set to make him the next big name in the NFL.