Few anticipated that Arizona State would clinch the Big 12 title in Kenny Dillingham’s second season, but the emergence of Cam Skattebo has been nothing short of spectacular. This dynamic running back, who was playing at the FCS level just two years ago, has taken the college football world by storm in 2024. With a staggering total of 2,074 scrimmage yards and 22 touchdowns across 12 games, Skattebo has solidified his place among the nation’s elite players, finishing fifth in the Heisman Trophy voting and narrowly missing out on a trip to New York for the prestigious ceremony.
Why does Cam Skattebo shake his head during games?
As Arizona State’s games gained national attention late in the season, fans began to notice Skattebo’s peculiar habit of shaking his head repeatedly between his electrifying runs reminiscent of Marshawn Lynch. While some spectators expressed concern about a potential injury, Skattebo has a straightforward explanation for this behavior. He revealed on the “PHNX Sun Devils” podcast that the head shaking is “an OCD thing” that originated from his helmet sticking to his face during games.
“My helmet used to stick to my face, and my sweat would dry up,” Skattebo explained, noting that this issue was more pronounced when he had less hair and no beard. Although growing a beard has alleviated some of the discomfort, Skattebo continues to shake his head to ensure his helmet’s alignment is always “perfect.”
Skattebo’s health and habits
The 22-year-old running back emphasized that his head shaking is not a sign of injury. In fact, he shakes his head constantly while wearing pads and a helmet, even during “every single day” of practice. “The referees come up to me and ask me, ‘Are you okay?'” Skattebo shared, illustrating how concerned officials have been about his unusual behavior.
Interestingly, this isn’t the first time Skattebo has addressed fans’ concerns. Back in 2022, he tweeted to clarify that if he had a head injury, he would be upfront about it. “During the game, I sweat, and it causes my face to be wet. While my sweat dries on my face, it causes my pads on the inside of my helmet to stick to my cheeks,” he stated, reinforcing that his head shaking is merely a habit and not a medical issue.
Does Cam Skattebo have a tic?
In his October podcast appearance, Skattebo confirmed that his head shaking is not a tic. “It’s not a tic, it’s not Tourette’s, it’s none of that,” he clarified. While he attributes the habit to “an OCD thing,” it is entirely voluntary. If it were involuntary, it would be classified differently. This head shaking is simply one of his in-game quirks, alongside his impressive ability to break tackles.
Skattebo showcased his talent on a national stage during Arizona State’s Big 12 championship victory over Iowa State, where he bulldozed through defenders with ease. His performance not only solidified his reputation but also highlighted his crucial role in the Sun Devils’ success.
Skattebo’s impact on Arizona State football
As the Sun Devils prepare for their Peach Bowl showdown against Texas, they will undoubtedly rely on Skattebo’s explosive playmaking ability to advance to the College Football Playoff semifinals. Arizona State, viewed as a significant underdog in this matchup, will need Skattebo to bring his A-game and continue his remarkable season.
Skattebo’s journey from the FCS ranks to becoming a household name in college football is a testament to his hard work and dedication. Few players have the ability to electrify a crowd quite like he does, and his unique habits only add to his allure as a player. Fans and analysts alike are eager to see how he will perform in the high-stakes environment of the postseason.
With the spotlight shining brightly on Arizona State and their star running back, one thing is clear: Cam Skattebo is not just a player to watch; he is a force to be reckoned with. As he continues to shake his head and break tackles, he embodies the spirit of college football—passionate, unpredictable, and always entertaining.
As the season progresses, fans will undoubtedly keep an eye on Skattebo, not just for his impressive stats but also for his quirky habits that have become part of his identity on the field. Will his head shaking become a defining characteristic of his playing style? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain: Cam Skattebo is here to stay, and he’s ready to make his mark on college football history.
