A particular duty of both CFB and NFL media personnel is to draw parallels between players on either side. Both look at the most accurate college football players who resemble their NFL counterparts, or could even succeed them later on. However, how many times has it been that these comparisons fail grandly? Arizona State’s star NFL-hopeful Cam Skattebo has been the subject of two such comparisons. The pairings make little sense when you break down their similarities and the like.
Cam Skattebo has had a great 2024 season, finishing 5th in the Heisman trophy voting this year. He broke ASU’s record of total rushing yards in a season, and was also the first player to cross 2000 yards from scrimmage in a single season. However, he also has flaws that are noticeable, particularly his agility. He’s also touted to be maybe a Day 3 pick, possibly in the fourth or fifth rounds. In the running back class of the draft, he is ranked further below Omarion Hampton, while Boise State star Ashton Jeanty leads as the No.1 pick. Skattebo, along with skepticism about his draft prospects, is also being improperly compared with Peyton Hillis.
How did experts miss the fact that the two are unlike each other physically? Hillis’ most notable performance came in 2010, when he rushed for 1,177 yards and scored 11 TDs. While Skattebo has better numbers than that at the moment, it still doesn’t make sense why he is paired with Hillis. Insider Benjamin Allbright told PHNX, “I mean, they play with the same attitude and that’s about the only thing that’s similar there.” Both Skattebo and Hillis seem to have an aggressive mindset and just charge into their opponents. But the obvious and the most glaring dissimilarity is visible to the naked eye. “Peyton Hills was like 45 pounds heavier, was taller, was faster, [and] had better hand, […] Let’s, let’s use realistic comparisons, sir,” Allbright said.
Hillis was an underdog draft pick, but Skattebo does not enjoy the luxury of that title. He does have a good attitude about his game. But the mobility is where he takes the hit. Simple example: Skattebo ran a 4.65 at his 40-yard dash. Hillis, much taller and heavier than Skattebo, ran a 4.57. For his NFL future, Allbright said, “I would say there’s a role for him in the NFL probably as a third down type back […] Maybe some chess piece type stuff on a few other things. You can maybe make him a returner with these new return rules and do a few other things with him here or there.” The questionable comparisons don’t end here.
Cam Skattebo’s comparison to Alvin Kamara is ‘disrespect’
Along with Peyton Hillis, the ASU star has also been likened to New Orleans RB Alvin Kamara. This parallel was drawn by ESPN, on top of that. Now, Kamara pulled a bold move and declared for the draft with just two seasons with Tennessee. However, he also had 1,294 yards and 16 TDs in a span of 24 games. And now, after 8 seasons, Kamara has a total of 6,779 yards and 60 TDs. Now the two are similar in physique. Both stand at 5’10” and differ by only a few numbers when it comes to their physique.
But the attitude is where the two differ. Unlike Peyton Hillis, whom Skattebo matched with because of that ‘charge ahead’ attitude, Kamara likes to take note of his surroundings. He is observant, but “shifty” and “elusive”, according to Athlon Sports. This is a guy who takes some time to assess his opportunities. Fans of Namara have made it evident that this comp is not one that is going to sit well.
“Don’t ever disrespect Kamara like that again,” wrote one fan. Skattebo’s flaws are as prominent as his strengths. Kamara, on the other hand, has continued to pull a great NFL career with minimal college experience. As of 2023, he also holds 7 records with the Saints, like most career rushing TDs, most receptions by a running back, and more. Another fan wrote, “Skattebo is not AK lol… apparently speed doesn’t factor in.” Which is true, actually. Kamara is faster than Skattebo, having clocked in a 4.56 at his 40-yard dash.
It’ll probably be some time before Skattebo finds the right player to be deemed a worthy comp for. Until then, his draft prospects continue to paint a concerning picture.
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