Cam Skattebo named AP first-team All-American despite Heisman Trophy snub

Arizona State running back Cam Skattebo would've been the best running back in the nation if Boise State's Ashton Jeanty didn't exist.

The Sun Devil rusher was constantly chasing Jeanty's historic season, which earned the Broncos star an invitation to New York City as a finalist for the Heisman Trophy. Skattebo did not receive one of those invitations but he's still getting plenty of national recognition.

Specifically, he was included with Jeanty as one of two running backs to be named to the Associated Press first-team All-American list on Monday.

The Sacramento State transfer racked up 2,074 all-purpose yards, second in the nation behind Jeanty, and scored 22 total touchdowns on the year. He was also voted a first-team All-American by three other outlets (CBS, Sports Illustrated and The Athletic).

Skattebo became ASU's first AP All-American selection since 2016 when kicker Zane Gonzalez was a unanimous pick by ten different publications.

Cam Skattebo's All-American selection proves Heisman voters got finalist invites wrong

The four Heisman Trophy finalists this season included Jeanty, two-way phenom Travis Hunter (Colorado), the eventual winner, quarterbacks Cam Ward (Miami) and Dillon Gabriel (Oregon).

Hunter, Jeanty and Ward were all included on the AP All-America first team offense with Skattebo, Gabriel was not. The Ducks passer was selected to the third team behind Colorado's Shedeur Sanders.

There isn't a better example than that to show that Heisman voters made their decision too early or without fully considering how massive a season Skattebo had in the context of ASU's journey to the College Football Playoff.

If Gabriel's 3,558 passing yards and 28 touchdowns weren't enough to warrant first or second team honors, then what business did he have to be voted a Heisman finalist over Skattebo?

Nevertheless, Skattebo will have even more bulletin board material for himself and ASU as they head to Atlanta, Georgia in less than two weeks time for the CFP quarterfinal at the Peach Bowl.