According to Combine IQ, he matched Alvin Kamara’s vertical leap, which is quite an accomplishment considering Kamara has been a standout running back for the New Orleans Saints since they picked him in the third round of the 2017 draft. Combine IQ data further highlights that he is one of only two running backs to have achieved a vertical of 39.5 inches or more at the combine and a production score of at least 90 since 2003. The other player on that list is Saquon Barkley, the Eagles’ running back and the 2024 Associated Press Offensive Player of the Year.
The folks at NFL.com have taken note of Skattebo’s impressive vertical performance, pointing out how it raised his Next-Gen Stats athleticism score to 74. In their analysis, they also mentioned that Skattebo now ranks as the No. 2 running back in this year’s draft class, just behind Boise State’s Ashton Jeanty, with an overall draft score of 88.
In the 2024 college football season, Skattebo was frequently recognized as the second-best running back, trailing only Jeanty. He had a phenomenal season, finishing fifth in the Heisman Trophy voting, and amassed 2,316 yards from scrimmage, including 1,711 rushing and 605 receiving yards, along with 24 total touchdowns over 338 plays, averaging 6.7 yards per play. A highlight was his 42-yard touchdown pass in the Peach Bowl against Texas, where he nearly single-handedly led Arizona State to an upset victory in a closely contested 39-31 double-overtime loss. In that final game, Skattebo gave a remarkable performance with 30 carries for 143 yards, two rushing touchdowns, and eight catches for 99 yards.
Notably, NFL.com pointed out that Skattebo might opt out of the 40-yard dash and other drills, a strategic move given that he isn’t known for his speed. Instead, his strength lies in his powerful, bruising running style and endurance.
Last season, Skattebo was credited by Pro Football Focus with forcing 103 missed tackles, the second-most in the FBS, just behind Jeanty. According to CFB Stats, he was particularly effective in the fourth quarter, averaging 6.2 yards per carry. Originally, Skattebo began his college career at FCS Sacramento State from 2021 to 2022 before transferring to Arizona State in 2023. Despite starting as a zero-star recruit, he’s accustomed to flying under the radar and proving himself on the field.
For those who might still have doubts, his college performances and that sky-high vertical leap should serve as a reminder of the exceptional athlete that Skattebo truly is.
