FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — Arkansas’ new running back coach David “YAC” Johnson has been making a strong impression since joining the program from Florida State this offseason. His efforts on the recruiting trail have already yielded several promising offers to talented running backs who could thrive at the SEC level. One of his most recent targets is Wayne Shanks, Jr., a standout running back from the Kinkaid School in Houston, Texas, which is known for its elite football program within the Southwest Preparatory Conference.

Where Shanks’ Recruitment Stands

“Coach YAC [David Johnson], he’s family,” Shanks told Arkansas Razorbacks On SI. “Anytime he comes by the school or we see each other, it’s always a good time. So, him going from Florida State to Arkansas definitely made me interested in the Razorbacks, and I do hope to get on campus in the spring.”

Shanks is expected to make multiple visits this spring, as he is set to become one of the top recruits in the country following another impressive season at the 4A level in the SPC. With over 3,300 total yards and 57 total touchdowns at the varsity level, it’s likely that he will be rated as a 4-star prospect during the next evaluation period.

Currently, Shanks is considered a consensus 3-star recruit, ranked No. 420 nationally, No. 32 among running backs, and No. 60 athlete in Texas, according to Rivals industry rankings. He has received offers from Arkansas, Kansas State, UConn, Baylor, Duke, Florida, Florida State, Houston, Kansas, Ohio State, Notre Dame, Oklahoma, Missouri, Nebraska, and many others.

He also regularly hears from schools like Miami, Kansas, Houston, Arizona, Notre Dame, Florida, Tulane, and Baylor. Shanks plans to visit all of these programs this spring, including Arkansas.

Quality Junior Year Production

As a junior, Shanks led his Falcons team to a 9-2 overall record while winning back-to-back state championships in Texas. He was the featured back and played multiple positions on offense. The 5-foot-10, 190-pound running back recorded 2,461 total yards of offense and 31 touchdowns (No. 27 in Texas). With the ball in his hands most of the time, Shanks didn’t fumble the ball on 273 touches this season, earning him the SPC Championship Game MVP and an all-conference selection.

Hogs’ RB Situation in 2026

Arkansas’ running back room is in solid shape heading into the spring with seven players on scholarship. This includes former walk-on and Warren native Maddox Lassiter, who was included in the number due to his role as a H-Back in the previous offensive scheme.

With the transfer portal, roster spots are often fluid from year to year. Coach Johnson welcomes four returning players to the backfield: junior Braylen Russell, sophomore Cam Settles, and redshirt freshman Markeylin Batton. He will also have Memphis transfer Sutton Smith, who is one of the fastest players in the country, entering his redshirt senior season. Michigan transfer Jasper Parker is expected to find a role in the Razorbacks’ rotation as a sophomore.

The Razorbacks are anticipated to bring in just one running back from the high school ranks in the 2026 cycle—Bryant standout Terry Hodges, who flipped his commitment from Missouri to Arkansas.

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