North Texas Athletics Hall of Fame
A two-time all-Missouri Valley Conference receiver for the Eagles in 1967 and 1969, Ron Shanklin was the school's all-time career leader in receiving yards for more than 20 years after his senior season in 1969, and remains in the school's top 10 in multiple receiving categories.
Shanklin combined with fellow wide receiver Barry Moore and quarterback Steve Ramsey to form one of the greatest aerial combinations in the nation, setting national passing records. Shanklin was the deep threat, averaging 20.0 yards per catch for his career. He had 144 career receptions for 2,465 yards, and his 31 receiving touchdowns is still a Mean Green record. Shanklin was named to the Missouri Valley's All-Centennial Team.
Shanklin was drafted by Pittsburgh and played for six years with the Steelers and Chicago Bears. In 1973, he led the NFL in yards per reception with an average of 23.7 to go along with 10 touchdowns, earning him a spot in the Pro Bowl. For his career, Shanklin averaged 18.3 yards per catch.
Shanklin returned to North Texas as an assistant coach from 1982 to 1990 working with receivers and running backs on the staff of head coach Corky Nelson.