Skattebo enters Heisman chat: 'I'm the best running back'

Cam Skattebo is injecting his name into the Heisman Trophy conversation.

"I've been disrespected my whole life. ... No matter winning the Heisman or losing the Heisman, I should still be in that situation," the Arizona State running back said to reporters, including The Athletic's Doug Haller.

Skattebo and Arizona State routed Iowa State 45-19 in the Big 12 championship on Saturday. The senior had one of his best performances of the year, rushing for 170 yards and two touchdowns and scoring an additional receiving touchdown.

It was Arizona State's first conference championship victory since 1996, and Skattebo was awarded the game's MVP. The win against Iowa State also clinched the team an automatic berth in the College Football Playoff.

The senior is having a career season with 1,568 rushing yards, 506 receiving yards, and 22 touchdowns. He entered the game ninth in the nation in rushing yards but now ranks fifth.

Other likely Heisman candidates include Boise State running back Ashton Jeanty and Colorado State cornerback/wide receiver Travis Hunter. Jeanty is college football's rushing leader with 2,497 yards and 30 touchdowns, but he has over 100 more carries than Skattebo.

Skattebo struck the Heisman pose after one of his touchdowns Saturday, a nod to the trophy awarded to the top player in college football.

"Nobody respects the fact that I'm the best running back in the country. I'm going to stand on that. … Whatever NFL team takes me is going to get a gem," Skattebo said about striking the pose, per The Athletic's Chris Vannini.

Finalists for the Heisman award will be announced Monday. The ceremony will be held in New York City on Dec. 14.