Sophomore running back Alton McCaskill and sophomore tight end Chamon Metayer have made the decision to transfer to the Arizona State Sun Devils ahead of the 2024 college football season. McCaskill, who spent one season with the Buffaloes after transferring from Houston. Metayer, who made the move after spending the spring with the Buffaloes, brings their talents to Arizona State’s roster. Standing at 6’1” and weighing 200 lbs, McCaskill saw action in four games for the Buffaloes last season, tallying 14 carries for 59 yards without any touchdowns.
His opportunities were limited, never receiving more than six carries in a game. Notably, he showcased his potential during a memorable performance in an October 13 double-overtime clash against the Stanford Cardinal. He rushed six times for 23 yards. Prior to his stint with Colorado, McCaskill garnered attention as one of the most sought-after running backs in the transfer portal, following a successful 2021 season with the Houston Cougars. At Houston he accumulated 961 yards on 189 carries, scoring 16 touchdowns.
On April 17, McCaskill’s father took to Twitter, attributing his son’s lack of carries as the impetus behind his transfer. However, McCaskill swiftly clarified his stance, asserting his autonomy in the decision-making process. He tweeted, “The only person that has any input or influence with my decisions is me. My apologies some opinions were voiced that may leave people appalled. Please do not let that be a reflection of my character and the integrity of my career.”
Metayer, measuring 6’5” and weighing 248 lbs, enjoyed a productive season with the Cincinnati Bearcats in 2023, emerging as one of the premier tight ends in the transfer portal. He recorded 23 receptions for 258 yards and five touchdowns during his tenure with the Bearcats. Notably, he displayed consistency and playmaking ability during a notable four-game stretch from September 23 to October 21. During that time he amassed at least three receptions and 43 yards in each game, along with three combined touchdowns.
Photo Cred: SI
McCaskill joins the Sun Devils alongside former four-star running back Raleek Brown from USC, enhancing the team’s backfield depth. Meanwhile, Metayer bolsters the tight end corps, alongside transfers Markeston Douglas from Florida State and Cameron Harpole from San Diego State. Returning junior running backs Cameron Skattebo and Decarlos Brooks add further stability to the Sun Devils’ roster.
Skattebo contributed significantly in the 2023 season. He totaled 164 carries for 783 yards and nine rushing touchdowns. Also included were 24 receptions for 286 yards and one receiving a touchdown. Brooks, meanwhile, recorded 48 rushes for 259 yards and three touchdowns last season. Metayer aims to fill the void left by departing tight ends Jalin Conyers and Bryce Pierre. They accounted for 47 receptions and 501 receiving yards in the previous season before transferring to Texas Tech and UCLA, respectively.
Arizona State struggled to find production from the tight end position last season. They failed to register any touchdowns. Arizona State is poised for an exciting transition in the Big 12 conference. Head coach Kenny Dillingham enters his second season at the helm. The Sun Devils kick off their campaign at home against the Wyoming Cowboys on August 31, with notable absences from their schedule including former conference rival Colorado.
