Nation’s top punt returner transferring to Arkansas

FAYETTEVILLE — UAB wide receiver and punt returner Kam Shanks has chosen Arkansas.

Shanks, 5-8, 180, topped the nation in punt returns this season with 16 returns for 329 yards and 2 touchdowns. He also brought back one kickoff for 15 yards. He caught 62 passes for 656 yards and 6 touchdowns. Shanks rushed 8 times for 50 yards. Shanks is good friends with Arkansas quarterback KJ Jackson.

“It felt like home here and I really like,” Shanks said. “Just through the prayer of God. I prayed to him to see how it was to go.”

Shanks talked about his punt return experience and what he feels made him so good at it.

“I have been doing punt returns forever,” Shanks said. “When I’m back there I’m relaxed. I feel like it’s just another play.”

Shanks was a first-team All-AAC punt returner and third-team All-AAC wide receiver. Arkansas defeated Shanks and UAB 37-27 on Saturday, Sept. 14, this season. In the game, Shanks caught a 15-yard touchdown pass from Jacob Zeno with 6:05 remaining in the first quarter for a 10-0 lead at that point. It was a pass with Shanks coming around on a reverse and Zeno hitting him. Shanks covered the 15 yards showing off his speed. In the game, he caught 5 passes for 31 yards and 1 touchdown.

Click here to view Shanks’ touchdown against the Hogs.