Signing Day spotlights local players

AUSTIN (KXAN) - While most players make verbal commitments well before signing their letter of intent, Austin High school senior Emory Blake did it all Wednesday morning at his high school.

The wide receiver announced he will attend Auburn University , though the University of Colorado and Texas Tech were among the other choices.

"It was a very tough decision," said Blake. "I slept about nine hours in the past two weeks."

Blake's announcement was a high point for Signing Day, when the area's senior football players publicly commit the university of their choice.

UT Longhorns Coach Mack Brown is scheduled to release his signing roster in a 3:30 p.m. public announcement that will be livestreamed at KXAN.com .

Lake Travis High School quarterback Garrett Gilbert already announced that he would sign with the Longhorns, but he made it official this morning. Another Lake Travis player, OL Paden Kelly will also attend Texas.

At LBJ High School , linebacker Kerry Hyder signed with Texas Tech , and wide receiver Jeremy Moore signed with Georgia Tech.

Ryan Swope from Westlake High was an earlier signer with the Texas A&M Aggies . Pflugerville D-lineman Alex Okafor and IK Enemkpali committed Wednesday. Okafor will go to Texas, but Enemkpali will go to Louisiana Tech .

Vista Ridge High School quarterback Taylor McHargue committed to Rice while his teammate, wide receiver Drew Coleman will attend Air Force . Vista Ridge's DB Tyler Patmon will go to Kansas .

We'll have more for you from various high schools as the day goes on.

The big news of the morning was Blake.

The stand-out receiver caught 64 passes for 936 yards and nine touchdowns for the Maroons last season and also rushed for 643 yards. Blake will be testing out his skills under Auburn's new head coach, former University of Texas Longhorns defensive coordinator Gene Chizik.

"I'm excited about playing for head coach Gene Chizik ," said Blake.

The recruiting Web site rivals.com lists Blake as a four-star recruit and ranks him 39th best in the state of Texas. Emory is the son of former NFL quarterback Jeff Blake , who played 14 seasons in the NFL and threw more than 21,000 yards and 134 touchdowns.


Source: kxan.com