With the 2009 football season in the books, the effortless part of the process has finally arrived for the top athletes in the South Fulton area: Signing Day.

By far not an easy decision, but the first day decisions can be made official.

Banneker wide receivers/defensive backs Shaun Kitchens and DeMetruce McNeal will sign with Auburn. Teammate Tres Houston will likely sign with Tulsa, after being offered a scholarship last Wednesday.

Kitchens, who verbally committed to Auburn well before the start of the season, will compete for a wide receiver position according to Banneker coach Ed Gosa.

On the other side of the ball, Gosa believes McNeal, this year’s winner of the Carlos Rogers Award, has the potential to make an impact right away.

“DeMetruce is arguably the best athlete I have ever coached and will have an opportunity to start as a freshman.” Because of McNeal’s determination, passion and leadership qualities, Gosa sees McNeal playing on Sundays also.

Demarco McNeal, DeMetruce’s brother, destination is uncertain but he has received interest from Cincinnati, Georgia Southern and Tennessee State. Other notable Banneker players expected to sign are: Jerrell Mumford (Morehouse) and Robert Brantley (Fort Valley State).

From Westlake, linebacker Michael Taylor, who originally committed to Tennessee before Lane Kiffin bolted to USC, plans to sign with Florida and defensive back Darius Robinson will sign with Clemson. Offensive tackle Tony Jacob plans to sign with UCF and cornerback Eric Simmons will sign with Kentucky.

From Woodward Academy, defensive end Henry Thomas will be going west to Stanford while teammates Juwan Thompson (running back) and Will Bryant (defensive tackle) will be signing with Duke.

Over in Clayton County, linebacker Clarence Jackson, from North Clayton, will sign with Mississippi and teammate Torian Box (offensive tackle) will sign with North Carolina State. According to coach Rodney Hackney, defensive players going to smaller programs are: Matthew Smith (Tennessee Tech), Winston Williams (Lehigh) and Devon Carter (Grambling State).

From Mundy’s Mill, linebacker Omari Jones will be heading south to Georgia Southern.

In Fayette County, Sandy Creek Rajion Neal (running back) will sign with Tennessee instead of Mississippi State. Defensive back Isaiah Johnson will head up the highway to Georgia Tech while teammates Jarrett Davis (wide receiver) and defensive end Lacy Coleman will sign with Louisville. Wide receiver Devon Hughes will head north to Buffalo.

Hopefully, for some of these players, signing on Wednesday will lead to signing a contract.