The last two seasons’ matchups between Central and Jonesboro have been some of Class 4A’s most competitive games. Both teams are loaded with D1 talent, All-State athletes, and execute at a high level, so it was no wonder that the score would come down to a play or two.
That moment arrived with just 11 seconds remaining and the score tied 21-21. The weight of the game rested on JR kicker Jake Davis’ shoulder as he lined up a 47-yard field goal attempt. The 6’3″ kicker eyed up the football and delivered the clutch game-winning field goal straight through the uprights, giving Central the 24-21 victory with seconds remaining.
“My mindset going into kicking in general is always trusting my mechanics, trusting that what I practice will transfer over into the game, keep calm, don’t let the outside pressure win. Also, clear your head before the kick.” Davis continued, “One of my coaches, shoutout Coach Walton, he always tells me to visualize the kick, visualize it going in, also trusting God is very important as well. That’s what I think about going into any kick, not just a game-winning one.”
The rest is history. Central is now 6-0 on the year and ranked the #6 team in our 4A rankings. Davis talked about the start of the season and what he would like to achieve down the stretch of the season.
“The first half of my season is going good,” Davis said. “100% on field goals, 80% on PATs, and 20/28 on touchbacks. My goals are to keep a 100% on field goals, and to have no more missed PATs, along with touchbacks every time I kick off.”
The 2027 prospect has the frame and intangibles we look for in a kicker. He has made good progress over the last year, rounding himself into a true specialist who can do it all.
“I have most definitely improved most on my field goals and kickoffs, along with some of my punting,” he said.
On the recruiting front, the 2027 kicker is just starting the process and has faith that his resume will impress evaluators.
“I don’t have any offers as of right now, but I believe that once college coaches see my film and my grades, they won’t be disappointed.”
Davis currently has no visits planned at the moment, but is eager and grateful for any opportunity that might arise. For now, his focus is on Central football, which is having another great season in Class 4A, arguably the most competitive of any classification in the GHSA.
Central looks to be a team that can compete for a state title and has an All-State caliber specialist like Davis, who can control field position with his punting or knock home a game-winner from virtually 50 yards out. We feel like recruiting news could be just around the corner for Davis, so be sure to follow @RecruitGeorgia on Twitter/X to hear the latest on the 2027 kicker and players across the state.
