ASU running back room finds new identity post-Cam Skattebo era
Arizona State running Raleek Brown, left, is eighth in the Big 12 with 148 rushing yards, averaging 6.4 yards per carry. (Photo by Hana Kaufman/Cronkite News)
TEMPE – The look of Arizona State’s running back room changed dramatically once the centerpiece of last year’s offense, Cam Skattebo, was drafted by the New York Giants in April.
Entering the 2025 season, questions swirled around which running back would take charge of the backfield and fill Skattebo’s deep footprints.
Kyson Brown, last season’s backup running back, was one of the options, along with junior Raleek Brown who was returning from an injury after medically redshirting last season. The Sun Devils also picked up Army transfer Kanye Udoh, who was fresh off a season where he recorded 1,117 yards and 10 touchdowns.
After an exhilarating 2024 in which ASU’s offense was reliant on Skattebo’s Big 12-leading 1,711 rushing yards, the Sun Devils continue to tinker with their offense ahead of Saturday’s game against Texas State at Mountain America Stadium.
Through two games, ASU’s running game has held its own with multiple contributors. Kyson Brown secured the starting nod in the season-opening win over Northern Arizona. Despite a low volume run attack, he accumulated 145 scrimmage yards, getting it done in both the running and passing games.
The next week, he had two carries for 11 yards before suffering an ankle injury as ASU lost to Mississippi State, dropping the Sun Devils to 1-1 and out of the AP Top 25 rankings. The junior is unlikely to play Saturday, coach Kenny Dillingham said in his Monday press conference.
While replacing Skattebo is a tall order, Kyson Brown’s leadership in the running back room stands out. Even if he can’t play against 2-0 Texas State, his presence remains large.
“You know, I think he’s become the leader because he’s taking everybody under the wings and helping them out,” ASU running backs coach Shaun Aguano said. “They’re better and we got a pretty stacked room. They’re better because he takes care of everybody else, and he’s an unselfish body that will get his touches, and then he’s the first guy cheering for the other two guys or three guys that are carrying the football.”
After battling through hamstring injuries, Raleek Brown has also made meaningful contributions through the Sun Devils’ first two games of the season. The redshirt junior is eighth in the Big 12 with 148 rushing yards, averaging 6.4 yards per carry.
Raleek Brown expects the running back room as a whole to continue to work hard together and keep that mentality for the rest of the season.
“Identity is to just keep running hard and then playing fast,” he said. “Just run the ball downhill, keep working, keep working hard.”
The Sun Devils have also been able to utilize Raleek Brown’s speed to their advantage, making him the team’s primary special teams returner. Going forward, he expects his usage in the offense to rise.
“Just trying to use me all over the field and staying focused on the run game,” he said. “I feel like the 21 personnel, that’s how I feel like they use me.”
Despite the loss to Mississippi State, the Sun Devils had a drive in the fourth quarter that offered a glimpse into what their running game’s new identity will look like. With 10:23 remaining, ASU marched down the field, taking 8:54 off the clock on a 17-play drive.
Out of the 17 plays, 15 were on the ground as both Kanye Udoh and Raleek Brown stepped up after Kyson Brown injured his ankle, causing him to miss the rest of the game.
The opportunity allowed Udoh to really introduce himself to the Sun Devils’ offense. He made his mark with a game-high 23 carries and added 105 yards along with a touchdown.
Despite the success on the ground, Udoh knows there is still more work to be done for the Sun Devils’ running backs and is ready to maximize the opportunities he gets.
“We’re doing good, obviously (there are) still things you need to work on, nobody’s perfect,” Udoh said. “But I think we have the right intensity and the right mindset. I feel good. I’m ready to take advantage of every opportunity that I get.
“You know, it’s the only thing you can do in life.”
