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Sam Leavitt Reveals Hilarious Cameron Skattebo Moment that Left Kenny Dillingham Speechless

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By J.C. Shelton | Last updated May 22, 2025 4:24 PM ET

Former Arizona State star running back Cameron Skattebo left quite the legacy as a Sun Devil.

Skattebo's unique journey to stardom began in the FCS ranks with the Sacramento State Hornets after signing as an unranked recruit in the class of 2019.

The Rio Linda, California, native earned Big Sky Offensive Player of the Year honors in 2022, making him a highly coveted transfer prospect.

Skattebo transferred to Arizona State ahead of the 2023 season, but the Sun Devils' nine-loss season kept him from the national spotlight.

That certainly changed in 2024, as Skattebo helped lead head coach Kenny Dillingham's Sun Devils to a Big 12 championship and the first College Football Playoff appearance in program history.

Beyond his efforts as both a tailback and receiver, Skattebo became known for his fiery playing style and seemingly unending passion for the game. That persona led to some plays that didn't always make Dillingham happy, though, especially when Skattebo went off script.

Arizona State star quarterback Sam Leavitt recalled a specific example that left him and Dillingham speechless.

The Sun Devils were matched up against the Iowa State Cyclones for the Big 12 title and found themselves down 10-7 in the first quarter. Leavitt, Skattebo and Co. had an opportunity to take the lead, but the first-and-goal play call didn't exactly go as planned.

Skattebo lined up in the wildcat and took the snap with Leavitt lined up at wide receiver. The play was designed to be a rush by Skattebo, who decided to run backwards before launching a pass that was almost intercepted.

"It was crazy to see him actually throw the ball," Leavitt said with a smirk on the "Matt Barrie Show." "Luckily, it didn't get picked."

Leavitt revealed that he and Skattebo would sometimes practice that pass in practice without Dillingham and the staff's blessing. It was something they were discouraged from attempting in a game setting.

"I think he was just at a loss of words, you know," Leavitt said of Dillingham's reaction to the potentially disastrous play. "He didn't really know what to say. I think they showed him on the camera after on the sideline. He was just sitting there like stone-faced, and they said in the box up there – they were just completely quiet. Nobody said a word, and then they just moved on to the next play."

The Sun Devils went on to dominate Iowa State 45-19. Skattebo, although 0-for-1 passing, totaled 208 yards of offense with three total touchdowns and earned Big 12 Championship MVP honors.

Skattebo finished his Arizona State career as the program's leader in single-season rushing yards and the only Sun Devil to ever eclipse 2,000 scrimmage yards in one season.

The New York Giants went on to take Skattebo in the fourth round of the 2025 NFL draft.

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

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