Arizona State running back talks offseason transformation

Arizona State running back Cam Skattebo was arguably the most important player on the roster last season. The Sacramento State transfer tallied 164 carries for 783 yards and nine touchdowns, but that wasn’t his only role. Skattebo was also dangerous as a receiver, racking up 24 receptions for 286 yards and a touchdown. Not only did he flourish in those traditional running back roles, but his value extended far beyond.

Skattebo threw six completions (on 15 attempts) for 130 yards and a touchdown. The transfer also made his presence felt occasionally on special teams, not as a returner, but as a punter. Skattebo registered eight punts, averaging 42.3 yards per punt with a long of 53.

The junior brought a new meaning to the term “do-it-all player”. Now after his first offseason as a Sun Devil, Skattebo is expected to be able to focus more on his primary duties as a runningback and the senior has a new look coming into spring practice.

Arizona State running back Cam Skattebo is down 13-14 pounds

“I’m down about 13-14 pounds right now,” Skattebo said after the first day of Spring practice. The running back was asked if he felt the difference.

“100%,” Skattebo replied quickly.

Skattebo is expected to be Arizona State’s leadback next year and is known for his violent ground-and-pound game. In 2023 he was simply a problem for defenders to bring down and would bounce off opponents like bowling balls. Some fans may be concerned that losing weight may cause Skattebo to lose his power and ability to shed tackles, but he isn’t worried.

“I still have the power for sure,” Skattebo said. “Obviously it’s not all there ’cause there’s 14 pounds missing, but it’s the muscle that I didn’t lose, which is the good part.”

If anything Skattebo believes the transformation will make him more dangerous and effective as a running back.

“I feel a lot quicker, I feel a lot faster, it feels great,” he said.

Skattebo’s transformation started in an unlikely fashion, with an illness.

“I got sick, and then I took advantage of it,” he explained. “Realistically I had pneumonia about a month and a half ago, and took advantage of being able to stay in shape.”

Now heading into Arizona State’s 2024 campaign, Skattebo believes he’ll be more versatile and flexible in new offensive coordinator Marcus Arroyo’s offense.

“It’s not him adding anything to his playbook… it’s more of ‘Oh, last year I couldn’t do this, but now I can do it this year.'”