Georgia Tech signed 23 players for the 2025 recruiting class during the early signing period in December, but the Jackets added another piece on Wednesday night, this one coming in the special teams department as they received a commitment from kicker Landon Shaffer from East Paulding High.
Shaffer, who announced his commitment via social media, was previously committed to Rice before an offer late in the cycle from Georgia Tech led him to re-open his recruitment in early December as the Jackets looked to make a strong impression and lead him to make the decision to play his college ball closer to home.
Shaffer previously told JOL that his relationship with Georgia Tech special teams coach Tim Salem was a big factor in his interest in the program as it went back all the way to last summer along with education piece that Georgia Tech provides.
"I feel very comfortable around (Coach Salem). He is incredibly personable. We get along great," said Shaffer. "Getting a good degree is important to me so playing football and great education is a good combo for me."
Shaffer finished off his high school career with the Raiders by making 14-of-18 field goal attempts during his senior campaign, including two successful kicks from 50-plus yards. He was also strong on kickoffs, smashing 53-of-57 attempts for touchbacks during 2024. Shaffer was named the Region 5-AAAAA Special Teams Player of the Year.
He said being close to home was also something that made the Georgia Tech opportunity an attractive one.
"Georgia Tech is about 45 minutes away from me so it's definitely a massive plus," said Shaffer. "(My family) was really excited. They love the idea of me being close to home. It makes coming to watch me play a lot easier for them."