🔥 New Devil in the Backfield: What to Expect from Kanye Udoh at Arizona State

When Arizona State secured a commitment from former Army running back Kanye Udoh, it didn’t just add depth to the running back room—it added an intriguing weapon with untapped upside.

As the Sun Devils prepare for a new chapter under Kenny Dillingham in 2025, Udoh may be the most overlooked but potentially impactful addition to the roster.

Udoh poses with the pitchfork ahead of the 2025 season.

📍 Where Does Kanye Udoh Fit in the RB Rotation?

With Cam Skattebo off to the NFL, the backfield torch is up for grabs. Kanye Udoh enters a competitive running back room that includes returning contributors like Kyson Brown and Raleek Brown. However, don’t be surprised if Udoh carves out a meaningful role by midseason.

Expect him to start as RB2 or RB3 early in the year, with a legitimate shot at earning goal-line and short-yardage carries due to his physical running style.

🧱 Can He Fill Skattebo’s Shoes?

Let’s not sugarcoat it—Cam Skattebo was a beast. A dual-threat workhorse, Skattebo finished last season with over 1,000 total yards and was the emotional engine of the offense.

Udoh isn’t a carbon copy, but he can mirror the physicality and north-south toughness Skattebo brought. While he may not offer the same receiving chops right away, Udoh is a no-nonsense runner with lower-body power, ideal for the gap-scheme run game ASU favors.

Udoh with Coach Aguano during Spring Ball

🪖 What Does Udoh Bring from Army?

Udoh's time at Army gave him a crash course in discipline, conditioning, and operating within a run-heavy offense. He logged 101 carries for 601 yards and 5 TDs in 2024, averaging an impressive 5.9 yards per carry—even when defenses knew the run was coming.

His burst through the hole and willingness to lower his shoulder make him a natural fit in short-yardage packages. But don’t underestimate his speed—Udoh has shown he can break chunk plays if given daylight.

🔱 What Should ASU Fans Expect?

Udoh brings a tough, blue-collar mentality that fits the Dillingham mold. He’s not the flashiest back, but he’ll earn tough yards and keep the offense ahead of the chains.

He’s a tone-setter—someone who might not get 20 carries a game but will make each touch count. Expect to see him especially shine in the red zone and on 3rd-and-short situations.

By midseason, if injuries or inconsistency hit the RB room, don’t be surprised if Udoh becomes the RB1B to someone else's RB1A.

Udoh sheds one tackler in game vs UNT

📊 Projected 2025 Stat Line:

121 carries

602 rushing yards (5.0 YPC)

7 rushing touchdowns

10 receptions for 65 yards

1 receiving touchdown

🔚 Final Word:

Kanye Udoh isn’t a luxury—he’s a necessity. In a season that will test ASU’s depth and grit, the former Black Knight could be the unsung hero in the backfield.

He might not replace Cam Skattebo with flash, but he just might do it with fire.