Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

Sam Leavitt Delivers Honest Verdict on Cam Skattebo’s Impact at Arizona State

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Nate Lunak | Last updated May 22, 2025 3:53 PM ET

The Arizona State Sun Devils had a wildly successful season in 2024, accumulating an 11-3 record and appearing in the College Football Playoff quarterfinals, which is a huge improvement after going 3-9 in 2023.

The team is set to undergo some major roster changes for next season, though, with one of the biggest being losing running back Cam Skattebo, who was selected by the New York Giants with the No. 105 pick in the 2025 NFL Draft.

However, he may have left the program, but his impact will be remembered for a long time and in a video posted to the "ESPN College Football" YouTube channel, quarterback Sam Leavitt was asked about Skattebo's impact for Arizona State.

“You talk about a player that’s so special in terms of, you know, not only the plays he makes physically, but the way that his presence is felt on the field, “Leavitt responded. “The physicality that he brings and sets a tone… The way that he views the game is so special… His mind and physical ability just brought so much juice and passion, and love for the game, that it’s so infectious.”

Of course, Skattebo did put together an amazing season, rushing the ball a total of 293 times for 1,711 yards and 21 touchdowns, while also having 45 receptions, 605 yards and three touchdowns.

What he was able to do on the field solidified him as one of the best running backs in college football for the 2024 season and even led him to finish in fifth place in Heisman Trophy voting.

His performance in Arizona State's Peach Bowl loss to the Texas Longhorns was especially impressive, racking up 143 rushing yards, 99 receiving yards and 42 passing yards with three total touchdowns (two rushing and one passing).

When taking all of that into account, it's no surprise that Leavitt, as well as many Arizona State fans, hold Skattebo in such high regard even as he moves onto the next step in his football journey.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: