Texas Tech, with its 9-0 record and No. 2 ranking, came out of the weekend excited about the present, but also the future.

The Red Raiders have picked up oral commitments from Austin High wide receiver Emory Blake (6-foot-1, 194 pounds) and Mansfield Timberview running back Eric Stephens (5-8, 180).

Going into the season, both were listed among the state’s top 20 prospects at their positions by Dave Campbell’s Texas Football Magazine.

Stephens changed his pledge to Tech from Minnesota. As a junior, he carried 201 times for 1,906 yards and 23 touchdowns. In seven games this season, he has 108 carries for 796 yards and 13 touchdowns.

“He’s a great fit for Tech,” Timberview coach Terry Cron said. “He’s the total package at running back. He’s got quickness, and he’s got power. His ability as a blocking back is great, and he’s got the best hands on our team.”

Timberview, which dropped into Class 4A during the February realignment, went 9-4 last year in Class 5A.

“A big reason why we were able to go three rounds deep in the playoffs was because of him and what he brings to the table,” Cron said. “He’s very durable. He takes a licking and keeps on ticking.”

Blake, a son of former NFL quarterback Jeff Blake, does it all for Austin. Maroons coach Rodney Vincent uses him at receiver, running back and quarterback.

Blake has 47 catches for 731 yards and eight touchdowns this season as well as 61 carries for 566 yards and four TDs.

“The biggest thing about Emory is he’s so football smart,” Vincent said. “He’s one of those guys that really knows the finer points of receiver play. He runs great routes. Even when they double cover him, he knows ways to get open and he knows how to set up routes. That’s what makes him such a great wide receiver.”

Vincent said Blake had at least 17 scholarship offers.

“I think Tech was always at the top of his list,” Vincent said. “I don’t know why a wide receiver wouldn’t want to go to a place like that that, you know?”

Blake confirmed on Tuesday that he had pledged to Tech, but did not have time for an interview when reached. He was not available later.

Blake told the Austin American-Statesman that he viewed Tech “as a good fit for me.”

Blake attended Tech’s 39-33 win over Texas on Saturday.

“It was a big game, but I think I would have chosen Tech even if they hadn’t won,” Blake told the Statesman. “A big part of the decision is being comfortable with the people you’re going to be living with.”

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