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Tag: Arizona State Sun Devils – English

  • NFL draft dilemma: Should teams take a chance on Cam Skattebo?

    NFL draft dilemma: Should teams take a chance on Cam Skattebo?

    The NFL Draft is always full of debates, and this year, Arizona State’s Cam Skattebo is right at the center of one. The hard-nosed running back has put up staggering numbers, making him an intriguing option for teams in need of a physical runner. However, NFL analyst Greg Cosell has raised concerns that could make franchises think twice before calling his name on draft night.

    Skattebo’s production in 2024 speaks for itself-1,711 rushing yards, 21 touchdowns, and an additional 605 receiving yards with three more scores. His running style? Relentless. He fights for every yard like the defense personally insulted him. His ability to bounce off defenders and gain tough yards has drawn comparisons to some of the league’s most physical backs. But does that mean he’s a surefire NFL success?

    Nobody can stop him! NFL prospect Cameron Skattebo ran over an entire defense

    Why Greg Cosell isn’t sold

    Cosell, known for his brutally honest assessments, isn’t entirely convinced. He has pointed out Skattebo’s stiffness and lack of elite athletic traits as potential red flags. “He doesn’t have the top-tier athleticism needed to thrive at the next level,” Cosell explained. That doesn’t mean Skattebo won’t succeed, but it does suggest that his fit in the NFL will depend heavily on scheme and coaching.

    The comparison to Rams running back Kyren Williams is an interesting one. Williams wasn’t seen as an elite prospect coming out of Notre Dame, but he found the perfect system in Los Angeles and became a key contributor. Could Skattebo follow a similar path? That depends on where he lands.

    Is Jacksonville the right destination?

    The Jaguars, coming off a disappointing 4-13 season, are looking for ways to revamp their offense. While they have Travis Etienne as their primary back, a bruiser like Skattebo could bring a different dimension to their running game, particularly in short-yardage and red-zone situations.

    However, there are valid concerns. Skattebo doesn’t have breakaway speed, his ball security needs improvement, and his blocking remains inconsistent. These are all areas that could limit his immediate impact in the NFL. If Jacksonville-or any team-takes a chance on him, they’ll need to be patient and willing to develop his game.

    So, is Skattebo a hidden gem or a risky investment? That’s the question NFL teams must answer before draft day.



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  • Urban Meyer praises Cam Skattebo ahead of NFL Combine

    Urban Meyer praises Cam Skattebo ahead of NFL Combine

    As the NFL Scouting Combine draws near, Cam Skattebo is gaining significant attention, especially after opting out of most drills, including the 40-yard dash.

    While this may have raised eyebrows, the Arizona State running back has earned praise from some of football’s biggest names, including former head coach Urban Meyer.

    Nobody can stop him! NFL prospect Cameron Skattebo ran over an entire defense

    Urban Meyer’s strong endorsement of Skattebo

    Urban Meyer recently appeared on the Triple Option Podcast, where he gave a glowing review of Skattebo. “Cam Skattebo is one of my favorite players I’ve ever watched,” Meyer said. “He is an animal… he is a guy, if I’m coaching, that I would want on my team.” Meyer’s endorsement is a significant one, considering his experience coaching top talent during his illustrious career.

    Additionally, former NFL running back Mark Ingram has also expressed high regard for Skattebo, reinforcing the positive buzz surrounding the Arizona State star. These endorsements have only helped to increase Skattebo’s draft stock as the 2023 NFL Draft approaches.

    Skattebo’s impressive college career

    Skattebo’s rise to the NFL has been built on a standout collegiate career. He began his journey at Sacramento State, where he racked up 1,372 rushing yards and seven touchdowns during the 2022 season, earning first-team All-Big Sky honors and the title of Big Sky Offensive Player of the Year. His transfer to Arizona State only solidified his reputation, as he posted an impressive 1,711 rushing yards and 21 touchdowns during the 2024 season.

    A standout performance during the Peach Bowl, where he earned Offensive MVP honors despite his team’s loss, only added to his growing reputation.

    What’s next for Skattebo?

    As the NFL Combine approaches, Skattebo’s performance will be closely scrutinized. While he has opted out of most drills, he will participate in the vertical and broad jump. He is expected to fully showcase his abilities at Arizona State’s Pro Day, which will give him another chance to impress scouts and coaches alike. Skattebo may also opt to compete at the Big 12 Pro Day from March 18-21, further solidifying his place in the 2023 NFL Draft.

    With his impressive college stats, endorsements from big names like Meyer and Ingram, and a strong showing at future workouts, Cam Skattebo is positioning himself as one of the most intriguing running back prospects in this year’s draft.



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  • Arizona State running back Cam Skattebo discovers the cause behind his vomiting during the Peach Bowl

    Arizona State running back Cam Skattebo discovers the cause behind his vomiting during the Peach Bowl

    Arizona State running back Cam Skattebo delivered an unforgettable performance in the Peach Bowl against Texas, despite an unusual and unpleasant start to the game.

    The 22-year-old, who placed fifth in the Heisman Trophy race last month, overcame a bout of severe vomiting on the sidelines to lead a remarkable late-game rally for the Sun Devils.

    A Croissant Sandwich to Blame?

    Skattebo revealed on The Dan Patrick Show that his sideline illness may have been triggered by an ill-fated breakfast choice.

    “I think I was drinking a little too much Powerade and water. At the same time, I think I ate something bad in the morning. I had a croissant sandwich, and I don’t think it went down very well,” he admitted.

    Despite feeling unwell leading up to the game, Skattebo said that throwing up seemed to change everything for him.

    Related:

    “I wasn’t feeling good until I threw up… I felt like a completely different person. After that, the game switched for me.”

    Turning Point in the Fourth Quarter

    Arizona State struggled offensively for most of the game but finally scored their first touchdown midway through the fourth quarter.

    Facing fourth-and-2 from Texas’ 42-yard line, Skattebo executed a perfect pitch-pass to Malik McClain for a touchdown.

    The Sun Devils followed up with a successful two-point conversion to make it 24-16 with just over six minutes remaining.

    Skattebo‘s heroics didn’t end there. After an interception of Texas quarterback Quinn Ewers, he caught a 62-yard pass from Sam Leavitt and finished the drive with a rushing touchdown.

    He then scored another two-point conversion to tie the game, sending it into overtime.

    Overtime Drama

    In overtime, Skattebo gave Arizona State their first lead of the night with a three-yard touchdown run.

    However, the Sun Devils couldn’t hold off the Longhorns. Texas tied the game in the first overtime with a stunning 28-yard touchdown pass from Ewers to Matthew Golden on fourth-and-13.

    Texas sealed the win in double overtime with a 25-yard touchdown pass from Ewers to Gunnar Helms, followed by a two-point conversion.

    The game ended when Andrew Makuba intercepted Sam Leavitt‘s pass, securing a 39-31 victory for the Longhorns.

    Skattebo’s Grit Shines Despite the Loss

    Skattebo finished the game with two rushing touchdowns and eight receptions for 99 yards, showcasing his resilience and talent despite the unusual circumstances.

    While the Sun Devils‘ season ended in heartbreak, Skattebo‘s determination and standout performance left fans and analysts in awe.

    This Peach Bowl showdown will undoubtedly be remembered as one of the most dramatic games of the season, with Skattebo‘s gritty performance at its heart-even if it all started with a “dodgy croissant.”



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  • Arch Manning shrugs off benching and shows class by paying respect to Arizona State star

    Arch Manning shrugs off benching and shows class by paying respect to Arizona State star

    Wednesday afternoon featured easily the best game of the College Football Playoff to this point. Higher-seeded but an underdog, Arizona State fell behind against the mighty Texas Longhorns in the Peach Bowl. But a late rally led by standout running back Cam Skattebo saw the Sun Devils tie it at 24-24 late in the fourth quarter.

    After a controversial non-call on a possible targeting play and a missed field goal as time expired for Texas, the Longhorns overcame ASU in double overtime and advanced. For most of the game, Texas’ Quinn Ewers was getting berated on social media for a poor performance, but the junior started dealing in overtime and led his team to victory. While that happened, Arch Manning – to the chagrin of plenty of fans – sat idly by on the sideline, failing to register a single touch in the game.

    Arch Manning reveals what he has learned from Texas Longhorns starting quarterback Quinn Ewers

    Arch Manning daps up Cam Skattebo after Texas-Arizona State game

    Despite not being a part of the game plan, Manning seemed to have liked a big part of the opposing team’s game plan. After the final whistle blew, the quarterback made sure to go over to Skattebo and give him props for his performance.

    Skattebo was truly a one-man army at times during the game, running for 143 yards and two touchdowns, throwing one touchdown and catching eight passes for 99 yards. According to PFF, Skattebo had 96 yards after contact against one of the best defenses in the nation.

    Manning had the best seat in the house to watch Skattebo ball out, while also watching his own team come away with a crucial victory that kept their season alive. Manning would tell you he would’ve liked to be on the field himself, though.



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  • Quinn Ewers finally reveals his stance on Arch Manning amidst fierce Texas rivalry

    Quinn Ewers finally reveals his stance on Arch Manning amidst fierce Texas rivalry

    Texas Longhorns head coach Steve Sarkisian has been as clear as he can be. Sarkisian is sticking with redshirt junior Quinn Ewers as his starting quarterback over redshirt freshman Arch Manning — even though fans and analysts continue to take issue with Ewers‘ performances and consistency.

    As Texas prepares for its upcoming College Football Playoff quarterfinal in Atlanta against Arizona State, the Longhorns quarterbacks continue to work in the shadow of controversy, with Ewers recently making his own feelings clear about Manning — the 19-year-old who, sooner than later, will take over as Texas‘ QB1.

    Ewers warned to declare or transfer

    Ewers has long been expected to enter the 2025 NFL Draft, but he has yet to make a public statement about his future — whereas Carson Beck, the currently-injured starter at Southeastern Conference rival Georgia, has confirmed his intention to enter April’s draft.

    In light of Ewers’ delay, ESPN analyst Mel Kiper Jr. has issued a warning to Ewers: if he wants to play one more year of college football, he will have to do so elsewhere, because Texas is “ready” to usher in the Arch Manning era. And Ewers appears to have conceded as much in response to a question he was asked on Saturday.

    “He’s definitely grown and matured for sure to be able to be successful at Texas,” Ewers said of Manning.

    Though Ewers is set to start the Peach Bowl at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Manning is likely to be called upon in short-yardage situations where his legs will offer a genuine threat that contrasts with Ewers’ strong arm. And amid Texas’ continuing controversy under center, Arizona State is preparing game plans that would slow down the Longhorns’ offense no matter who is playing quarterback. The Sun Devils know they are sizable underdogs, and the Big 12 champions have to prepare for all possibilities in order to take advantage of any slipups from one of the Playoff’s two SEC representatives.



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