Star senior running back Cam Skattebo will be missed in the Valley after recording 3,385 yards, 34 touchdowns and even eight punts at ASU. He'll set aside his maroon-and-gold jersey for an NFL logo on his chest come late April.
A new era is set for the Sun Devils after a run to the College Football Playoff. Now, they'll have to defend the title of Big 12 champions without one of their most talented offensive players in recent memory.
Many questions come up regarding replacing a player like Skattebo, as it may be difficult to fully replace a talent like him.
Filling the Skattebo gap
Many plays come to mind when thinking about Skattebo in an ASU jersey. The Sun Devil back was highly skilled in multiple aspects of the game of football and made highlight reel plays every Saturday.
READ MORE: Cam Skattebo's epic season: Proving the doubters wrong one game at a time
Skattebo possessed a rare contact balance to the field that he paired with his ability to wait for blocks to develop. On top of those two rare attributes, he had quick feet warranting any defender contacting him because they'd bounce off him. Last season, 1,202 of his 1,712 rushing yards came after contact, which was third-best in the FBS.
"Skatt did Skatt stuff," running back coach Shaun Aguano said. "When we talk about a 'Skatt Run,' that's him getting hit two yards deep and breaking six or seven tackles. That was not how it's supposed to be because he did it on his own. So we're gonna have to make sure to account for those yards later on."
Transfer portal talent
ASU recruited backs who will come in as freshmen next season, but it's unlikely they'll take snaps. One of the team's biggest additions came in the transfer portal. Junior running back Kanye Udoh will bring a tough running style fans are used to seeing.
Udoh found success in the Army offense last season. He totaled 1,117 yards on 179 carries and found the endzone 10 times. He didn't see much action as a receiver, having just two receptions in two years.
"Being an efficient running back — one step downhill, north and south," Aguano said. "I saw the efficiency with him within that scheme (Army) ... but the efficiency of how he ran the football, his body, lean, his explosiveness, those are the things that jumped off of me."
READ MORE: Transfer portal review: Who the Sun Devils gained and lost so far
He isn't as fast as Skattebo, but he brings toughness and quick feet to make defenders miss in tight spaces. It's unlikely Udoh will be a three-down back for ASU, but he can be a proficient blocker.
The Sun Devils' new backfield by committee
It's hard to tell who will lead the ASU backfield next season but a backfield by committee is likely.
The Sun Devils return backs like redshirt junior Raleek Brown and junior Kyson Brown. Redshirt freshman back Jason Brown Jr. is also set to return. Kyson only tallied 351 yards on the ground in 2024 but showed fans around the Valley his potential.
"I think I put on a little bit of muscle," Brown said. "Just maintaining my body. I got a little faster; that was big for me in the offseason … I want to harp on being a good back of the backfield. That's gonna be something many can't do, and I want to be the best at that."
Raleek Brown transferred from USC before last season, but injuries plagued his first season in Tempe. The speedster's lingering hamstring injury eventually sidelined him for most of the year.
Udoh, Kyson Brown, Raleek Brown and Jason Brown Jr. all specialize in one aspect of being a running back, and that's what Aguano wants.
"I try to recruit my room as if it is by committee," Aguano said. "So, is there a third-down back guy? Is there a back that can be in the slot? Is there a power back? So I do it by committee."
It may be difficult to replace a talent like Skattebo, but there is no doubt the Sun Devils' running back room has talent.
"We're going to have to find a replacement for a lot of yards and a lot of production," Aguano said. "Within that group, I think I'm excited to see what they have, but there is going to be somebody that steps up because I think they're that talented."
Edited by Jack Barron, Abigail Beck and Katrina Michalak.
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Daniel is a senior studying sports journalism. This is his first semester with The State Press. He has also worked at WCSN, OC Riptide, 1550 Sports and AZPreps365.
