What is this guy trying to say to me?

There's any number of possibilities for what's going on. Perhaps he's missed you, and wants you back in his life as a friend, and he's trying to rekindle the friendship. However, that doesn't explain all the compliments and the fact that he touched your shoulder. It's possible that he's developed feelings for you now, and he doesn't know how to tell you. Maybe you should talk to him and ask him what's going on.