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It’s hard to miss.
As Arizona State running back Cam Skattebo heads onto the field as part of the kickoff unit, he’s as hyped as you can get. Once the ball is in the air, he’s jetting down the field like he’s trying to win the 100 meters in a track and field race before launching himself into an opposing wall of players.
No more was this on display than late in the game against Kansas last week when, after already having carried a heavy workload for most of the evening, it was Skattebo coming in on one of the final kickoffs to help force the tackle.
“Absolutely critical,” ASU coach Kenny Dillingham said, highlighting the importance of Skattebo’s role. “We joked around because he wasn’t on kickoff against Texas Tech. We’re 4-0 when he’s on the field for kickoff. That seems comical and laughable, but it also is a mindset that our best dudes are in it. Our best dudes are playing this game in every facet. Kudos to him, game’s on the line, run down on kickoff.”
While it may seem reckless to some to have the crown jewel of your team who is currently sixth in the NCAA for rushing yards also playing special teams, it is the exact type of effort that Dillingham desires to see from his do-it-all athlete.
Dillingham, who has dealt with his fair share of future NFL players in college, sees it as a stepping stone to something bigger. Skattebo has maintained a desire to play at the next level.
“I know there’s probably a lot of people that think we’re crazy for putting him on kickoff, right? ‘There’s not even kickoff in the NFL, why would you put him on kickoff?’” Dillingham said. “Well, I’ll tell you what, that kickoff play is going to get him drafted.’
‘Not just his ability to play football at running back, but when a scout and a team see a running back add versatility in more ways than just…
Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/nfl-target-arizona-state-relying-230704256.html
Author : AZCentral | The Arizona Republic
Publish date : 2024-10-07 23:07:04
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