From the Combine – Day Two Interviews

When it came to the running backs, I caught four prospects who are hoping to hear their names called in April: Oregon’s Jordan James, Arizona State’s Cameron Skattebo, Kansas’ Devin Neal, and Texas Tech’s Tahj Brooks.

Oregon Running Back Jordan James

At his media availability, James discussed that one of his biggest strengths is that he always plays games tough. He said now he’s playing at 205 pounds, which is right in his ideal weight range. He said he’d do every drill the combine except for the vertical jump, which he’s saving for his Pro Day. When asked why he decided to forego his senior year and declare for the NFL, he said he believes he accomplished what he wanted at Oregon and was ready for the next chapter. When asked what teams he’s met with so far, he’s met with six: Jacksonville Jaguars, Buffalo Bills, Dallas Cowboys, Washington Commanders, Denver Broncos, and Pittsburgh Steelers.

In an interview available here, he answers that he is doing every drill at the combine except the vert, which he’ll do at his Pro Day. He says he’s a competitor at everything in life.

Arizona State Running Back Cameron Skattebo

Cameron Skattebo exploded at Arizona State for over 1,700 yards and 21 touchdowns in 2024 and is ready to take his game to the NFL. The 23-year-old believes he’s the most powerful back in the class and that the one thing opponents and scouts underestimate the most about him is his speed. He thinks he’s more explosive than people give him credit for. He wants to showcase his route running and pass-catching during the Combine and believes people don’t realize how good he is at both, hoping to raise some eyebrows. 

He said he wants to showcase his power at the combine and show how he can adapt to any situation.

Texas Tech running back Tahj Brooks

The Red Raiders running back is flying a bit under the radar with the likes of headline-grabbing Boise State’s Ashton Jeanty, Cam Skattebo, or Ohio State’s TreVeyon Henderson, but he still rattled off for over 1,500 yards and 17 touchdowns last season. Brooks said he knows he’s got to catch some eyes this weekend and was hoping to turn heads at the combine drills. He was asked about guys in the NFL he models his game after and who he admires, and he mentioned Saquon Barkley, Bijan Robinson, and Kyren Wiliams. He also noted Marshawn Lynch is one of the most fun players to watch on film. 

He discussed running backs like Saquon Barkley and Derrick Henry getting big money contracts and giving teams a reason to put money back in the position.

Kansas Running Back Devin Neal

The Jayhawks back said he believes he’s one of the most versatile backs in the draft class. He said the best player he saw at the Senior Bowl, regardless of position was Notre Dame linebacker Jack Kizer. He said he’s proud to be a part of the Big 12 contingency of running backs at this year’s combine and says the talent at running back this season is off the charts. He says one of the most valuable things he learned while at Kansas was how to be a locker room leader both on and off the field.

Colorado Quarterback Shedeur Sanders

Unsurprisingly, the biggest media draw of Friday was the Colorado QB. The apple doesn’t fall far from the tree when it comes to confidence and charisma. Sanders noted that he’s not worried about what the critics say. “You know who my dad is? They hated on him too!”, he said. “If you aren’t trying to change the franchise and the culture, don’t come get me,” for teams that may be interested in drafting him.

Miami Quarterback Cam Ward

On his leadership: “I ain’t no rah-rah guy. At this point of your career in the NFL, you shouldn’t need anyone to motivate you.” He also noted he believes the New York Jets are a couple pieces away and wouldn’t shy away from being one of those pieces.