Sac State star Cameron Skattebo enters NCAA transfer portal after departure of Troy Taylor
Sacramento State was the only college football program to offer Cameron Skattebo a full athletic scholarship following his prolific and rampaging prep career at Rio Linda High School, where he set regional rushing records.
Now, the Hornets’ best player is looking to be recruited all over again.
The Big Sky Conference Offensive Player of the Year and one of the top running backs in the FCS on Monday entered the NCAA transfer portal, meaning he can land at a Power 5 program for a greater challenge.
“There was nothing wrong with Sac State, and it’s not anyone’s fault,” Skattebo told The Sacramento Bee, adding that he did so with a “heavy heart. He added, “I love and will always love my Sac family. They mean the world to me. I enjoyed every moment at Sac State.”
The powerfully built 5-foot-10, 215-pound sophomore is the first Sacramento State player to enter the portal following the departure of coach Troy Taylor, who was named head coach at Stanford on Monday.
Skattebo was emotional in thanking teammates for the “love” and “experiences” of a “dream season” on Friday night after the previously unbeaten Hornets saw their season end with a 66-63 playoff loss to Incarnate Word of Texas in the highest-scoring game in FCS history.
Skattebo added, “I don’t think I dislike a single guy on the team. Everybody loves each other. We had great memories in that locker room and it’s going to continue. Football is a magical sport.”
Skattebo led the Big Sky in rushing with 1,382 yards. He scored seven touchdowns and electrified teammates, coaches and fans with his relentless style, powering through and over bodies, or hurdling them, or stiff-arming them. He caught passes, returned an onside kick for a touchdown and even threw his first touchdown pass as a Hornet against Incarnate Word.
Skattebo throughout his Hornets tenure said he was appreciative of the coaches for believing in him and utilizing his skills. He also expressed a fondness for his hometown region.
“I have about 150 people every week from Rio Linda who come watch me play, so I’m thankful to them, too,” Skattebo told The Bee earlier this season. “I love football. I love this sport. I want to play it as long as I can.”
This story was originally published December 12, 2022 at 12:25 PM.