Shanks Named First-Team Preseason All-American by The Sporting News

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – Arkansas wide receiver and return specialist Kam Shanks has been named a First-Team Preseason All-American by The Sporting News at the punter returner position, the publication announced Wednesday.

Shanks arrives in Fayetteville after spending his first two seasons at UAB. As a redshirt freshman in 2024, the Prattville, Ala., native was the most electrifying punt returner in the nation. Shanks led all FBS players in punt return yards (329), punt return average (20.6), and punt return touchdowns (2) while being named a finalist for the Jet Award, which honors the most outstanding return specialist in college football. In addition to serving as a return man, Shanks turned in two 100-yard receiving games, including a nine-catch, 119-yard receiving performance at Army (Oct. 12) and a career-high 153 receiving yards and three touchdowns against Tulsa (Nov. 2).

The honor is one of many entering the 2025 season for Shanks. He was previously named to the Jet Award (nation’s top return specialist) and Paul Hornung Award (nation’s most versatile players) watch lists in addition to being named First-Team Preseason All-SEC as a punt returner by Phil Steele.

Head Coach Sam Pittman and the Hogs opened preseason practice last week with the first of 25 practices leading into the season opener. The Razorbacks kick off the 2025 season on Saturday, Aug. 30, when they welcome Alabama A&M to Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium for a 3:15 p.m. matchup on SEC Network.

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