MARIETTA - On National Signing Day, when football dominates the sporting world's headlines, some of Cobb County's newest college signees admittedly had more than football on their minds when they signed their letters Wednesday.

For many of the area's recruits bound for programs in the NCAA's Football Championship Subdivision, their searches were narrowed to schools that may have offered a particular academic program. Others used location to find the right school.

"I really looked into their marine science program first, then realize they have a really good football program, too," said Cole Kropacek, a kicker who signed with Jacksonville University. "Then they looked at me for a scholarship. We just kind of met in the middle and it was just a good fit."

The former Kell kicker decided to put academics ahead of football when it came to his college decision.

"I've always been kind of OK in school and good in sports," he said. "I figured why not push myself in academics a little bit, and lay off the sports a bit, but still balance them."

McEachern Demarius Matthews said both location and academics played a role in his decision.

The cornerback, who signed with Georgia State, plans to major in business economics with a minor in engineering.

"Location and staying close to home mattered a little bit," Matthews said of signing with the Panthers' program for their inaugural season next fall. "They are real good in what I want to major in. I know that going pro (in football) isn't guaranteed, and I want to have something else that I can do. I am always to have that education if I don't get (to the NFL). The decision was a lot more than just the (football) field. Honestly, a lot of football players don't have something to fall back on, and I don't want to be like that."

Three players - Marietta's Chris Mooney, Walker's Davis Feder and Pope's Marcorus Garrett - chose Ivy League programs.

Mooney wrapped up the recruiting process by choosing Columbia, a late-comer to the scene. And with the Ivy not offering athletic scholarships, they had to make it on their academic laurels.

"Going Ivy League wasn't really what I had in mind, but I took my visit two weekends ago and decided that's where I want to be," said Mooney, who plans to major in economics. "They haven't won an Ivy championship since 1960, but they are getting better and better, and these next four years are going to be great."

Mooney, who chose Columbia over Brown, said getting on the field early was a key for him. With just two senior tight ends ahead of him on the depth chart, he's expecting to see time as a true freshman and could be a starter by his sophomore year.

"Tight end is where I want to be, and Columbia gives me that opportunity," he said.

Feder, who plans to be a doctor when is football days are done, singled out Brown because of its pre-med program.

"With football, the chances are it's only going to last four more years, and I am really looking past football," Feder said. "I'm hoping to get a good pre-med education there and go to a good grad school."

Garrett was also planning ahead in choosing Columbia.

"They are a really good academic school, they play good football and it should be able to open a lot of doors for me after I graduate," he said. "I really like the coaching staff, the players and the facilities there, so it just felt right all around."

The tailback made his decision in November and said he never wavered from it.

"It felt good to know where I am going," Garrett said.

Walton's Matt Gilbert made his decision to sign with Georgia Southern just a few weeks ago, after the Eagles filled their coaching staff under new head coach Jeff Monken.

The offensive lineman had been recruited by Georgia Southern offensive coordinator Brent Davis when he was on the staff at Virginia Military Institute. But Davis contacted Gilbert after taking the position at Georgia Southern and, following a visit to Statesboro, Gilbert was eager to accept the offer.

Kennesaw Mountain's Steven DeCarlo made his decision early and opted to sign with Elon, the first school that presented him with an offer.

"Before anyone else really had a chance to offer, I just said, 'I'm committed to Elon,' so that settled it," said DeCarlo, who verbally committed in July. "(Signing) is the biggest stress reliever in the world. Now, I can just concentrate on keeping my grades up and graduating."

With DeCarlo's signing, his mother, Antonia, admitted she was committing to another four years of watching her son play football. But it won't be difficult as Elon is often nearby as a member of the Southern Conference.

"(Steven) has been playing football since he was 8 years old," Antonia DeCarlo said. "I can't imagine football not being a part of the family."

Kell defensive end Cody Tomlinson and Marietta's Perry Beasley both signed with Samford, while McEachern's Tarik Milner signed with Jacksonville State. Each said the school was simply the right fit for them.

"My visit this past weekend was very nice," said Perry, who hopes to be the Bulldogs' starting long snapper in the fall. "It's a little (intimidating), but it's exciting, also."

Sprayberry's Reese Bulmash and Robert Bryant will remain teammates as both signed with Austin Peay.

Bulmash said he has been waiting for the opportunity to play football his whole life.

"Getting college paid for is a big deal to anyone," he said, "but especially when you get to play your favorite sport."

Bulmash said the decision to sign with the Governors was largely based on the college's location in northern Tennessee. Bryant said he chose the school because he knew Bulmash was going to be there.

"It'll be nice knowing someone," Bryant said. "We'll probably room together or something. It'll be cool."

Both offensive linemen have been told they will play as freshmen and could even compete for a starting role.

Lassiter defensive end Rip Rowen also signed with the Governors.

Hillgrove's Kasheem Hill signed with Lafayette and is looking forward to continuing the success he experienced with the Hawks.

"(Lafayette) has had a winning program the last six years, so, hopefully, that tradition will carry on for me," he said.