The identity of Georgia Tech’s kicker for the season opener against Tennessee next Monday was still unknown even to coach Paul Johnson after Monday’s practice.

The Yellow Jackets scrimmaged, and Johnson evidently did not like what he saw from kickers Shawn Davis and Brenton King. He had said previously that he had made up his mind, but said he wasn’t sure following the scrimmage.

“That wasn’t real pretty, either,” Johnson said.

Johnson has labeled placekicking one of the more significant concerns going into the season. Davis is a sophomore walk-on from Union Grove High, and King is a scholarship freshman from Mill Creek High.

King and Davis are competing to succeed Harrison Butker, who set the school’s career scoring record in his four seasons with the Yellow Jackets and is now trying to make the roster of the Carolina Panthers.

What it’s like to compete for a kicking job for Paul Johnson

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Georgia State lost its regular season finale to Old Dominion, 27-10. The loss dropped the Panthers to 1-11 on the season. (Stan Awtrey/AJC)

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Carleigh Knight (left) and her sister, Natalie Rogovin, look at Christmas ornaments while shopping at Kudzu Antiques + Modern in Decatur on Tuesday, Nov. 25, 2025. (Natrice Miller/AJC)

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