Cam Skattebo was one of the best running backs in college football last season, but there were several other players at the position selected ahead of him in the NFL Draft. Some would say he was overlooked, but it does not sound like Skattebo views it that way.
The New York Giants drafted Skattebo in the fourth round with the 105th overall pick. Skattebo was the eighth running back selected, which was somewhat surprising since he had 2,316 total scrimmage yards and 24 touchdowns at Arizona State last season.
On Friday, Art Stapleton of USA Today asked Skattebo how he continues to keep the chip on his shoulder. Fans loved Skattebo’s response.
“Yeah, how many snaps of the NFL have you seen me play? Zero, right? I’ve proved nothing. I proved what I am in college, but I’ve proved nothing at this level,” Skattebo said. “Now, where I’m at, I have to prove myself. And if that’s for five years or if that’s for 10 years, I’m gonna continue to prove myself. The best do it for the longest. So, I’ll continue to do that and just work my butt off until the time comes.”
I asked @camskattebo5 how he keeps finding that chip on his shoulder. What an answer from the #NYGiants rookie: pic.twitter.com/8NLUj8iTR0
— Art Stapleton (@art_stapleton) May 9, 2025
Skattebo seemed genuinely grateful just to be drafted. He was overcome with emotion after he got the call from the Giants.
“Going to the Giants baby!”
— Blake Niemann (@Blakes_Take2) April 26, 2025
Cam Skattebo after he received the life changing phone call from New York.@FOX10Phoenix pic.twitter.com/rlsuqZqFdY
There have been questions about whether Skattebo has the speed needed to succeed in the NFL, and he chose not to answer those leading up to the draft. His game is more about seeing the hole and running through defenders. That served him well at Arizona State, and the Giants are hoping the same will be true at the professional level.
Some players use being overlooked as motivation, but Skattebo’s message seems to be that his draft position has no impact on his mindset. He was going to be determined to prove himself in the NFL no matter how many teams passed on him.
