Former Arizona State running back Cam Skattebo is turning heads at New York Giants training camp, showing flashes of the same physicality and toughness he displayed during his time with the Sun Devils.

Skattebo had a career breakout season with Arizona State in 2024, which led to him being selected in the fourth round of the 2025 NFL Draft by the New York Giants.

Since training camp has begun, Skattebo has continued to turn heads with his physical style of play.

“He was a physical player, first and foremost,” Giants head coach Brian Daboll said about Skattebo’s play in college. “When you watch the tape, a hard guy to bring down when he has the ball in his hands. There’s all different shapes, sizes of running backs, different speed, different quickness, tall, short. Can they make yards when they get the ball in their hand? However that sorts itself out: Handing it to them, tossing it to them, throwing them a screen, and then how are his hands? Can you use him in the passing game? He’s got good hands, he’s got soft hands.”

Skattebo showcased those hands on multiple occasions at Giants training camp, catching a touchdown from his fellow rookie quarterback Jaxson Dart and also reeling in an incredible one-handed grab that unfortunately didn’t count.

Tyrone Tracy Jr., a second-year running back for the Giants, was struck by Skattebo’s skillset as a rusher, highlighting his ability to beat defenders with either power or elusiveness.

Tracy and Skattebo will be the Giants’ main running back tandem heading into the 2025 season.

The Giants’ first padded practice came Monday, and Skattebo was as happy as anyone to be able to get some live reps in.

Two-time Pro-Bowl rusher Brian Burns liked what he’d seen from the rookie running back.

“He showed he got a little dog,” Burns told reporters. “I don’t know about initiation, but he showed he got dog. He runs tough, he runs behind his pads. I got to get back and watch the film. I didn’t really get a head-to-head with him yet, but from what I hear, alright, we’ll see (laughs).”

Cam Skattebo’s time at Arizona State

Skattebo was a force to be reckoned with for Arizona State last season, constantly shrugging off tackles and showcasing his knack for fighting for extra yards every chance he got.

The results paid off as he helped lead Arizona State to an 11-3 season record, winning the Big 12 title and helping send them to the College Football Playoffs.

Skattebo shined the brightest on the biggest stage rushing for 170 yards and three total touchdowns in the Big 12 title game against Iowa State and also totaling 242 all-purpose yards and two touchdowns against Texas in the College Football Playoff Peach Bowl game.

Skattebo finished his monster season at Arizona State with 1,711 rushing yards and 21 touchdowns.

He also had another 605 receiving yards and three receiving touchdowns, making him the first college running back with 1,500+ rushing yards and 500+ receiving yards in a season since Christian McCaffrey in 2015.