As a Daily Campus rookie this past fall, I dipped my toe into sports writing by discussing the biggest upsets, top performances and must-see matchups for every week of the college football season, leading to what is now known as “Lato’s Lens.”
Arizona State running back Cam Skattebo (4) reacts after defeating Utah during an NCAA college football game, Friday, Oct. 11, 2024, in Tempe, Ariz. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri)
To those who’ve followed the column from the beginning, it’s easy to tell that I’m one of the biggest college football fanatics on this side of the Mississippi. Waking up on a fall Saturday morning knowing there’s a full slate of college football ahead makes me giddy, which is demonstrated throughout this column.
If you’re truly a special college football player, chances are you’ve probably found yourself in the column at least once. However, there’s one player in particular who found his way into the column time and time again.
The name is Cameron “Natureboy” Skattebo.
The running back from Arizona State made headlines this year for leading the Sun Devils, an otherwise struggling program, to a Big 12 Championship title and to the College Football Playoff. Despite being knocked out in double overtime by Texas in the Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl, Skattebo’s heroics did not go unnoticed.
Despite taking blow after blow from the Longhorns’ bone-crushing defense, Skattebo kept chugging. The senior rushed for 143 yards on 30 carries, scoring two total touchdowns. He also caught eight passes for 99 yards and even threw for a touchdown, earning himself the Peach Bowl Offensive MVP award.
His performance in the bowl game wasn’t even surprising when you look at his full-season statistics.
On 293 carries, Natureboy rushed for 1,711 yards and 21 touchdowns, while also hauling in 45 passes for 605 yards and three touchdowns through the air.
Despite his terrific collegiate career, Skattebo’s NFL draft stock was not nearly as high as other star running backs like Boise State’s Ashton Jeanty or North Carolina’s Omarion Hampton. However, all he needed was a chance.
He got his chance with the New York Giants, who selected him in the fourth round (105th overall) of last week’s NFL draft.
As a Giants fan myself, I was ecstatic to see Skattebo’s name called after watching his heroics first-hand on the gridiron last fall. Though this may seem a little biased, I firmly believe that Natureboy was the greatest steal of this year’s draft.
For one, Skattebo is extremely versatile. Though best known for his jaw-dropping runs that showcase his power and balance, he also has great hands and can make big plays when given space. Though the Giants’ running back room features two veteran backs, Tyrone Tracy Jr. and Devin Singletary, Skattebo’s skill set could certainly earn him immediate playing time.
Skattebo also plays with a relentless motor that never turns off. In the Peach Bowl, the running back puked into a trash can after a grueling drive, causing concern for Arizona State fans. However, he got right back into the game on the next series. His motor is what sets him apart from other backs and will serve him well in the NFL.
He also doesn’t get tackled easily. In his highlights, Skattebo breaks through arm tackles, sheds defenders and churns through contact to the very end.
Although the noise in Giants nation is focused on the first-round picks like Jaxson Dart and Abdul Carter right now, don’t let Skattebo fall under the radar.