On NFL Network, Kenny Dillingham provides NFL comparison for Arizona State football running back Cam Skattebo

As college football seasons unfold, certain players stand out not only for their talent but for their potential to make an impact at the professional level. Arizona State University’s football program has seen its fair share of standout athletes, and this year, one player in particular has been generating buzz: running back Cam Skattebo. The 2023 season has seen Skattebo shine on the field, catching the attention of both ASU fans and NFL scouts alike. Recently, on an appearance on NFL Network, Arizona State head coach Kenny Dillingham provided a compelling comparison for Skattebo, drawing parallels between the Sun Devils’ star and a prominent NFL running back. This comparison has added a layer of intrigue and excitement surrounding Skattebo’s potential future in the NFL.

In this article, we’ll break down the comparison that Dillingham made, analyze Cam Skattebo’s skill set and potential as a future NFL player, and explore how his development at Arizona State could lead to a successful career in the NFL. We’ll also delve into what this comparison means for Skattebo’s future and how it could influence his draft stock.

Who is Cam Skattebo?

Before we dive into the NFL comparison, it’s important to understand who Cam Skattebo is and what has made him a standout player for Arizona State University. Skattebo, who transferred to ASU from Sacramento State, entered the 2023 season with high expectations. Known for his combination of speed, power, and agility, Skattebo quickly made a name for himself in the Sun Devils’ backfield. His blend of physical attributes and vision has allowed him to excel in both the running and passing games, making him a dual-threat option for the ASU offense.

Early Career at Sacramento State

Skattebo’s journey to Arizona State wasn’t a conventional one. He spent several years at Sacramento State, where he developed into one of the most dynamic running backs in the FCS (Football Championship Subdivision). During his time at Sacramento State, Skattebo established himself as a workhorse back, amassing impressive yardage totals and showing the ability to take over games. In his final season with the Hornets, Skattebo rushed for over 1,200 yards and 11 touchdowns, showcasing his ability to break through defenses with his combination of vision, quickness, and power.

His time in the FCS caught the attention of NFL scouts, and as he entered the transfer portal, he became one of the most sought-after running back prospects in the country. Arizona State saw an opportunity to bolster its offense by adding Skattebo, and his potential as a dual-threat back immediately made him an intriguing addition to the Sun Devils’ roster.

Impact at Arizona State

Once he arrived at Arizona State, Skattebo wasted little time in showcasing his abilities. As part of a rebuilding program under head coach Kenny Dillingham, Skattebo quickly became one of the focal points of the Sun Devils’ offense. His versatility as a ball carrier and receiver out of the backfield provided ASU with a dynamic weapon who could change the game with just a single play.

In the 2023 season, Skattebo has continued to shine, demonstrating an ability to produce explosive runs, maintain balance through contact, and contribute in the passing game. His combination of strength, speed, and vision has helped elevate the Sun Devils’ offense, and his development at ASU has only fueled the speculation that he could be a future NFL talent.

Kenny Dillingham’s NFL Comparison for Cam Skattebo

During a segment on NFL Network, Arizona State head coach Kenny Dillingham was asked to provide a comparison for Skattebo, given his impressive performances at ASU. Dillingham’s response was striking: he compared Skattebo to NFL standout running back Jamaal Williams of the Detroit Lions. This comparison sent waves of excitement through both ASU fans and NFL scouts, as Williams has become known for his ability to break tackles, his tough running style, and his impact in both the running and passing game.

Breaking Down the Jamaal Williams Comparison

To better understand why Dillingham made this comparison, it’s crucial to take a closer look at both Skattebo’s and Williams’ playing styles. At the heart of the comparison is their shared combination of power and agility—attributes that make both players difficult to tackle and highly effective in both short-yardage and open-field situations.

Physical Running Style

Jamaal Williams is widely regarded for his physical running style. Known for his toughness and ability to grind out yards between the tackles, Williams has become one of the most reliable backs in the NFL, often picking up critical yards in key moments. This physicality is something that Skattebo exhibits consistently at the college level. Whether it’s powering through defenders or using his size and strength to gain extra yards after contact, Skattebo shows the same tough, no-nonsense running style that Williams has brought to the NFL.

At 6’0” and around 215 pounds, Skattebo has the frame to match Williams’ physical approach to running. His ability to break through arm tackles and shed defenders is one of his strongest attributes, making him a reliable option in both the inside zone and power run schemes.

Explosiveness and Agility

In addition to their physicality, both Skattebo and Williams possess significant speed and agility, which allows them to make plays in the open field. While Williams may not be the fastest back in the NFL, his ability to accelerate through holes and his lateral quickness make him a dangerous weapon when he finds space. Skattebo exhibits similar traits in his game—he may not be a top-tier speedster, but his vision, combined with his ability to change direction quickly and accelerate through the line, makes him a dynamic threat when given room to run.

Skattebo’s ability to make defenders miss in the open field, combined with his solid top-end speed, mirrors Williams’ style of running—powerful when necessary but explosive enough to break off big gains when the opportunity arises.

Receiving Ability and Versatility

Another key factor in the comparison between Skattebo and Williams is their ability to contribute in the passing game. In today’s NFL, running backs who can catch passes out of the backfield are a highly valued commodity. Jamaal Williams has developed into a reliable receiving option in addition to his rushing duties. Whether it’s catching checkdowns, running short routes, or blocking in pass protection, Williams has proven to be versatile in all phases of the game.

Skattebo is similarly capable in the passing game. At Arizona State, he’s been used effectively as a receiver, showing excellent hands and an ability to run routes out of the backfield. His ability to contribute as both a runner and a pass catcher makes him an intriguing prospect for NFL teams looking for running backs who can do it all. This dual-threat capability is a hallmark of Williams’ career, and it is something that Skattebo has already demonstrated during his time at ASU.

Why This Comparison Matters for Skattebo’s NFL Future

For Cam Skattebo, the comparison to an NFL running back like Jamaal Williams has significant implications for his future. Dillingham’s endorsement of Skattebo as a player with the potential to succeed in a similar role to Williams adds credibility to Skattebo’s draft prospects. The NFL is a league that values versatility, and running backs who can contribute in multiple ways—both as a runner and as a receiver—are highly sought after. This is exactly the profile that Skattebo fits.

Strengthening Skattebo’s Draft Stock

The Jamaal Williams comparison serves as a stamp of approval for Skattebo’s ability to play at the next level. It’s a signal to NFL scouts that Skattebo’s skill set is aligned with the type of running back that teams are looking for in today’s game. If Skattebo can continue to build on his performances at Arizona State and further develop his skills, he has the potential to be a highly sought-after prospect in the NFL draft.

With his combination of size, strength, agility, and receiving ability, Skattebo has the potential to be a dynamic running back in the NFL. His versatility will make him appealing to teams that need a multi-dimensional back to fit their offensive schemes. Moreover, the fact that Dillingham—a coach with a keen eye for talent—has made such a strong comparison to an NFL starter in Williams, further solidifies Skattebo’s potential.

The Path Forward for Cam Skattebo

As the 2023 season progresses, Cam Skattebo will have an opportunity to continue proving himself as a top-tier running back prospect. For Arizona State, his development is crucial as the Sun Devils look to rebuild and elevate their program under Dillingham’s leadership. For Skattebo, the next step is refining his game, staying healthy, and showing consistency in both the running and passing game.

If Skattebo can maintain his level of play and continue to develop his skills, there is little doubt that he will attract the attention of NFL teams. The comparison to Jamaal Williams provides a glimpse into what could be a promising future in the NFL, where his combination of power, vision, and versatility will make him a valuable asset for whichever team selects him.