Anxiety and contemplation were replaced by excitement and elation for nearly a dozen football players in Greater Rome on Wednesday.

After spending the past several weeks narrowing down their options, 11 area players made their college choices official by signing letters-of-intent on national signing day.

“It’s a big weight off their shoulders, there’s no doubt about that,” said Pepperell coach Jeff Shiflett. “Just to know where they’ll be headed (next fall) is a big relief for them.”

Several players from the local area are destined for Division I programs, including Calhoun’s Eric McDaniel. The defensive standout signed with Purdue after helping Calhoun finish as the Class AA state runners-up last season.

Two of his teammates also made their choices Wednesday — David Clemons singed with Tennessee-Chattanooga, and Deshawn Printup signed with Savannah State.

“There’s always a lot of excitement this time of year,” said Shiflett. “It’s something the players really look forward to. And, of course, the families are extremely excited, too.”

Shiflett has seen a steady line of Pepperell players head to the next level over the years, and he watched two more join the list Wednesday, when Michael Ozment and Matt Kelley both signed with Shorter.

Elsewhere, several other Greater Rome prospects also decided to flock together to the next level.

At Rome High, teammates Damon Goosby and Richmond Booth both signed with Albany State, and Rockmart’s Brandon Haywood and Chris Campbell each signed with Carson-Newman.