Eagerly awaited by Georgia Tech fans as a potential solution to the team’s kicking-game struggles, freshman Harrison Butker is closing in on the starting job.
Following Wednesday’s practice, Johnson said, “Harrison’s probably right now starting.”
Butker has been engaged in a competition in the preseason with David Scully, who had the job last season, but was hampered by a hip injury. Last season, Tech ranked 11th in the ACC in kickoff coverage and 10th in field-goal percentage. Butker, from Westminster, was ranked by ESPN as the No. 3 kicking prospect in the Class of 2013.
Johnson said Butker possibly could handle the placekicking and kickoff roles.
“We’re excited with what Harrison brings,” Johnson said. “David’s had a good camp, too. David’s got a strong leg. So it’s a good situation.”
Johnson also said that punter Sean Poole is “probably clearly No. 1 right now” in his competition with Ryan Rodwell. Both punters played last season, both averaging 39.7 yards per punt.
“He’s had a good camp,” Johnson said of Poole.
Among other specialists, Jamal Golden and Broderick Snoddy top the depth chart at kickoff returner. Golden, who returned two kickoffs for touchdowns last season, is a lock. Johnson said coaches have tried “a bunch of guys” to pair with Golden, including Jemea Thomas.
Practice report: Johnson described Wednesday's practice as "OK." The team practiced in full pads again, but is winding down the heavy contact. Johnson said the team probably will practice in shells Thursday and have a scrimmage Friday with the scout teams. The Jackets will begin normal game-week preparations Monday, with the season opener coming Aug. 31 against Elon.
“Getting ready to try to heal up and get ready to play,” Johnson said.
The scrimmage Friday will be an opportunity for players to rehearse a number of different game scenarios.
“We’ll have safeties and interceptions and anything that could happen in a game,” Johnson said.
Injury report: Johnson had no update on the status of center Jay Finch, who has been out since he was injured in Monday's practice. Finch was held out of practice Wednesday and was to see a doctor afterward, Johnson said.
Finch, a two-year starter, had shoulder surgery in the winter and returned to practice only last week. Per usual, Johnson said he could not divulge the nature of the injury. Ray Beno and Thomas O’Reilly have practiced at center in Finch’s absence.
Days improving: A-back Synjyn Days will be a part of the rotation at the position, Johnson said. Days is in his second season playing A-back, having converted from quarterback before last season. He has impressed outside linebacker Brandon Watts, who has faced him often in practice.
“He looks more comfortable with the offense now because he had just moved over last year,” Watts said. “Now he’s finally got all the checks down. He’s playing a whole lot faster than he was last year.”
Luncheon: Tech's kickoff luncheon will be held at noon Friday at the Cobb Galleria. Brandon Gaudin, the new voice of the Yellow Jackets, will host the event, and athletic director Mike Bobinski and Johnson will speak. A number of players will attend. For more information, visit ramblinwreck.com.
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