Former Colorado sophomore running back Alton McCaskill IV has committed to ASU after playing four games with the Buffaloes last season, according to ESPN.
McCaskill had 14 carries and 59 yards last year before deciding to redshirt the rest of the season and save a year of eligibility. Even though there wasn't too much to show for his time in Boulder, one thing that makes McCaskill so desirable is his outstanding true freshman season at Houston in 2021.
McCaskill had 189 carries, 961 rushing yards, 16 rushing touchdowns and 113 receiving yards in the Cougars' 12-2 season, according to ESPN. McCaskill's touchdown tally set Houston's true freshman rushing touchdown record, and he even led all true freshmen in the country.
McCaskill's impressive statistics earned him the 2021 American Athletic Conference Rookie of the Year.
After his impressive 2021 season, McCaskill tore his ACL in the spring of 2022 and exercised as a redshirt for the following season. McCaskill now comes to Tempe expecting to have three years of eligibility left.
The Texas native is 6-foot-1-inch tall, an even 200 pounds and runs a 4.48-second forty-yard dash.
Head coach Kenny Dillingham has used the transfer portal to create a good environment and team, preparing the Sun Devils to take on their debut in the Big 12. Dillingham appears to have set up his offense for success with a potentially great running back duo.
ASU's go-to ground game option last season was senior running back Cam Skattebo. The Sun Devil running back had a great 2023 season and recorded 164 carries, 783 rushing yards and 286 receiving yards despite the team's lackluster play.
The Sun Devil backfield could be lethal if McCaskill builds on his successful freshman season and pairs well with Skattebo as the team's primary back.
Edited by Jack Barron, Sophia Braccio and Alexis Heichman
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Henry is a junior studying journalism and mass communication. This is his third semester with The State Press. He has also worked as a sports reporter.