We all know by now: Cam Skattebo’s story isn’t your typical path to the NFL. The New York Giants’ rookie running back received only one Division I offer coming out of high school and used that chip on his shoulder to emerge into an All-Big Sky runner before transferring to Arizona State, where he really took off.
The 23-year-old amassed 1,711 yards and 21 scores while helping lead the Sun Devils to the College Football Playoff and finishing fifth in Heisman voting. A threat in both the ground game and receiving game, Skattebo was selected by the G-Men in the fourth round in April’s draft.
His physical, downhill running style fits seamlessly alongside second-year back Tyrone Tracy Jr, whose elusiveness led him to surpass 1,000 scrimmage yards in his rookie campaign. And the Purdue product has been vocal in his praise of the first-team All American, even though the pair are competing for touches.
"The man is strong and powerful, I'm more slippery and elusive... but he can do really anything, just like I can do really anything,” Tracy told SNY. “It’s a really good addition to our running back room.”
And that room is suddenly one of the more intriguing spots on the roster.
Ever since Saquon Barkley packed his bags for Philadelphia, there has been no clear lead back in place as the New York’s running back room is in a state of disarray. And despite what you may think, that isn’t necessarily a bad thing.
Skattebo-Tracy Jr. duo shows shades of Giants running back tandems of the past
In today’s NFL landscape, it is becoming increasingly common where teams employ a running back by committee approach instead of relying on a single workhorse. It isn’t the 1990s anymore, and Big Blue is adapting to the times.
Now, head coach Brian Daboll and offensive coordinator Mike Kafka have the tools in place to piece together a more versatile and unpredictable rushing attack — a youthful group that will be able to take pressure off Jaxson Dart once the first-round rookie takes the reins.
Let’s make it clear, this duo is not the next Ahmad Bradshaw and Brandon Jacobs yet. But the potential is real, and the blueprint is familiar. But Skattebo is rocking Bradshaw's vintage No. 44.
Skattebo brings the thunder, as the Arizona State standout thrives on contact and is able to easily wear down defenses. Meanwhile, Tracy Jr. brings the lightning since his background as a wide receiver allows Kafka to utilize his agility to get him the ball in space.
It’s why Brian Daboll has had plenty of good things to say about the 25-year-old during camp.
Two strong assets in the modern league are pass-catching and pass-blocking, and both of the Giants' lead backs excel in those areas. That dual-threat ability makes them valuable on any down and is exactly what fans are looking for as the team regains its offensive identity.
If the Giants are building toward something — and all signs say they are — this backfield duo might just be a key part of the foundation.