Steve Sarkisian, the head coach of the Texas Longhorns, recently quipped that he wished he had discovered Cam Skattebo before the talented running back transferred to Arizona State. While Sarkisian’s comment was likely made in jest, it raises a critical and controversial question: is Texas missing out on key talents like Skattebo due to recruitment oversights, or is this a larger indictment of their recruiting strategy?
Skattebo, who made waves at Sacramento State before transferring to Arizona State, has proven to be one of the most dynamic and versatile backs in college football. His ability to dominate both in the running game and as a pass-catcher out of the backfield has caught national attention, leaving fans and analysts wondering how he managed to slip through the cracks of big-name programs like Texas.
Recruiting Failures or Prioritization?
Sarkisian’s comment inadvertently exposes a harsh reality in college football recruiting: some programs prioritize athletic profiles and star rankings over evaluating underrated gems. Skattebo, who wasn’t a five-star recruit out of high school, might not have initially fit Texas’ recruiting mold. Yet, his breakout performances at Arizona State beg the question—should top-tier programs, like Texas, expand their scouting efforts beyond traditional pipelines?
This revelation is particularly damning for Sarkisian, who has built his reputation on developing offensive stars. With Texas aiming to compete at the highest level in the SEC next season, missing out on a player like Skattebo could haunt the program if their current backfield fails to perform under pressure.
A Systemic Problem in College Recruiting?
The comment also highlights a systemic issue across college football. Programs with massive resources often overlook talented players from smaller schools or less prominent high school programs. It’s a reality that has pushed several underdog athletes—like Cooper Kupp and Josh Allen—to thrive at smaller schools before becoming stars in the NFL. Skattebo’s journey seems to follow this trend, making him the latest example of a player who was overlooked simply because of the system’s inefficiencies.
A Public Relations Problem for Sarkisian?
For Sarkisian, the remark might do more harm than good. While it’s easy to chalk it up as humor, some fans and critics could view it as an admission of failure or, worse, a lack of effort in discovering under-the-radar talent. With the stakes higher than ever in college football, even offhanded comments can fuel controversy and raise doubts about a coach’s capabilities.
What Could Have Been?
Imagine a Texas offense with Skattebo in the backfield—a hard-nosed, dual-threat running back who thrives under pressure. Instead, Sarkisian can only watch from afar as Skattebo shines in an Arizona State jersey. For Longhorns fans, the comment might sting even more if Texas’ running game struggles while Skattebo becomes a star.
While Sarkisian’s words may have been lighthearted, they reflect a deeper issue that could have serious implications for Texas football. In a hyper-competitive recruiting landscape, missing out on players like Cam Skattebo might not just be an oversight—it could be a symptom of a larger problem that Sarkisian and his staff need to address.