Despite the Peach Bowl defeat against the Texas Longhorns, Arizona State Sun Devils RB Cam Skattebo is earning credits from all corners following his impressive season. Skattebo almost erased a 16-point fourth-quarter deficit to upset Steve Sarkisian’s team, who eventually prevailed 39-31 in double OT. Skattebo was named the Peach Bowl Offensive MVP for his all-phase offense, recording 284 all-purpose yards and three total touchdowns.
This marked an end for Arizona State’s season, which included them winning the Big 12 championship. However, it brought Skattebo’s talent to the fore.
Christian McCaffrey Shouts Out ‘Young Bull’ Cam Skattebo
Skattebo’s impressive performance was noted by San Francisco 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey.
McCaffrey recently took to Instagram and dubbed Skattebo “Young Bull.” The Instagram story featured a photo of Skattebo and ice emojis, symbolizing coolness under pressure.
Skattebo’s achievements this season have been nothing short of remarkable. The versatile running back became the first FBS player since McCaffrey himself to surpass 1,500 rushing yards and 500 receiving yards in a single season, a feat McCaffrey achieved during his historic 2015 campaign at Stanford. McCaffrey finished second in Heisman voting that season.
Christian McCaffrey shows some love to Cam Skattebo on Instagram. 👀
Skattebo is the first FBS player to record over 1,500 rushing yards and 500 receiving yards in a single season since McCaffrey did at Stanford in 2015.
“Young Bull”@SunDevilSource pic.twitter.com/6nOKfgEoGR
— Blake Niemann (@Blakes_Take2) January 3, 2025
Skattebo finished the season with 1,711 rushing yards and 21 touchdowns on 293 carries. As a receiver, he caught 45 receptions for 605 yards and three touchdowns.
Skattebo Reveals What Led to the Second-Half Rally Against Texas
Going into halftime, the Sun Devils were down 17-3 — the game was almost over, it seemed. However, the players were fueled to give their best out there. After the game, Skattebo revealed the positive team environment at halftime, which was crucial in their second-half rally, overcoming a 16-point deficit in the fourth quarter as they tied the game 24-24 with five minutes remaining.
“In the locker room at halftime, we took a step back and calmed down and we understood what we had in the locker room, and we went out there and played ball. We didn’t play the best ball in the first half, but we came back out, and we gave ourselves a chance, so that’s what matters,” Skattebo said to the media.
The Longhorns outlasted ASU in overtime, as they avoided an upset to advance into the second round of the College Football Playoff.
Skattebo’s Prospects in the 2025 NFL Draft
In Pro Football Network’s latest seven-round NFL mock draft, Jacob Infante had Skattebo slated as a fifth-round pick, landing with the Philadelphia Eagles at No. 161.
However, his recent play, from the Big 12 title game to the Peach Bowl has seemingly elevated the Arizona State RB’s stock in the public eye. Former NFL player Chad Johnson lauded Skattebo as an NFL Draft prospect:
“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.
SEE MORE: Former WR Names 2 NFL Teams That Fit Arizona’s Star RB Cam Skattebo Perfectly
In what projects to be a loaded running back class, it’s hard to anticipate where a talent like Skattebo will be drafted, but his recent efforts may have caught the right eyes to catapult his career to the next level.