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Wayne Shanks Jr. is that dude at Kinkaid
Shanks the "Next Big Thing" at Kinkaid
The running back position is back in the recruiting spotlight after taking a back seat the past few seasons.
The Kinkaid School’s Wayne Shanks Jr. is front and center after earning a VYPE Offensive Player of the Year nomination, leading the Falcons to an SPC Championship as a sophomore.
Shanks played for Cypress Woods his freshman year, earning the District 16-6A Newcomer of the Year title in 2023.
So, what’s next for the junior-to-be?
“I’m working on my stock and showcasing my talent to colleges across the country,” he said. “I’m figuring out which schools are most interested in me and what a good fit would be.
“My strength is my versatility. I’m not going to say I’m better at one thing than another... I’m good at multiple things. If we need a fourth-and-two, I’m going to get the first down. You can put me at receiver, and I can make someone miss and go score. I can also fill a hole and make a linebacker miss for a big play.”
With his already impressive resume, it’s no surprise that Shanks has pulled offers from the SEC, ACC, and Big 12, to name a few.
“I’ll be visiting Kansas, Houston, TCU, SMU, and Baylor starting next week,” he said. “I’m excited to see the campuses and meet the coaches. I’m continuing to build my relationships with Texas, Texas A&M, and LSU.”
Oklahoma and Florida State have also recently offered.
For now, he’s locked in on the purple and gold—the Kinkaid Falcons.
“The education here is great,” he said. “If I’m struggling with something, my teachers are here to help. It’s just more attention. The people are very caring and take care of you here at Kinkaid.
“From a football perspective, no one works harder than us—in the classroom, the weight room, or on the football field. The coaches push us and hold us to the gold standard.”
The school has an impressive football lineage, with LSU’s Josh Williams and Dillon Bell (Georgia) and Micah Bell (Notre Dame, Vanderbilt, Georgia) recently walking the halls.
Shanks is just the “next big thing” to come out of the prestigious private school inside the loop in H-Town.
Grand Oaks' QB Grant Smith
LOOKING THE PART: Grand Oaks' Smith emerging as QB prospect
Grant Smith has all the measurables at 6-foot-4, 210 pounds. He has a big arm, strong leadership qualities, and excels in the classroom. Now, the question is—can he put it all together on the field and lead Grand Oaks to its first-ever playoff appearance?
The Class of 2026 quarterback is coming off a strong season, throwing for over 2,000 yards with 24 touchdowns and just three interceptions. Expectations are high.
“Grant is our leader and a really hard worker,” Grand Oaks head coach Shaun McDowell said. “He’s one of the best QBs I’ve ever worked with, and I feel he’s a top quarterback in Houston and in the state.”
Smith is currently making waves on the 7-on-7 circuit with RG3 Takeover, drawing attention from scouts and recruiters. His offer list is growing, but the recruiting process has its challenges.
“It’s a weird time in the recruiting cycle as schools are having to trim their rosters down to 105,” Smith explained. “That has a huge impact on how many high school offers they can accept. Several schools have told me they are re-evaluating their QB room after the portal opens next month. As far as official visits go, I don’t want to schedule any until I’ve had the chance to visit each school and staff that have given me offers.”
For now, Smith is focused on improving his game.
“I’m fine-tuning my mechanics, footwork, and off-platform throws, along with my pre-snap reads,” he said. “I want to be elite in understanding coverage schemes before the ball is even snapped.”
He has recently picked up offers from Southern Miss, Tulane, and Appalachian State.
“I’m really looking for a school that will provide a world-class education and a program that will win championships while developing me into an NFL quarterback,” Smith said. “Some schools are starting to separate themselves, but I’ve always said I want to explore every opportunity.”
One thing is certain—Smith isn’t just relying on talent and stats. He’s putting in the work, both on the field and in the film room, as he prepares for what could be a historic season for Grand Oaks.