Arizona Wildcats get commitment from 2027 3-star RB Wayne Shanks Jr.

Running back Wayne Shanks Jr. committed to Arizona on Friday, marking the fourth 2027 prospect to choose the Wildcats.

Shanks is ranked 40th among his position as the No. 585 player in the class, according to 247 Sports’ composite ranking. He grades out as the Wildcats’ top commitment so far.

The Houston native chose head coach Brent Brennan and Arizona out of a final four that included Kansas, Arkansas and Tulane.

He is Arizona’s first running back to commit in the 2027 class, which also includes tight end Max Markofski and wide receivers Trey Smith and Braylen Ross.

Shanks rushed for 1,787 yards and 24 scores as a junior with 352 yards and six touchdowns through the air, per MaxPreps. He also attempted five passes, completing two for 40 yards and one touchdown.

Scouting analyst for 247 Sports Gabe Brooks evaluated Shanks earlier in May, with the following notes included:

Knows how to shorten steps/strides to press blocks and enter lanes. Shows some sudden jump-cutting ability, including in box traffic. More of a one-speed open-field runner who can better mix in some accel/decel nuance and squeeze some of that top-end juice more effectively. Still working on angles and engaging pop when asked to pass block. Runs hard and gets some yards-after-contact production.

Projects to the Power Four level as an eventual lead-back candidate who can handle a higher workload as a ball carrier and pass-catching option.

Coaches from Arizona’s staff — offensive coordinator Seth Doege and running backs coach Lyle Moevao — visited Shanks’ home on May 6 to cement the connection.

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