Decked out in his forest green and gold T-shirt that read, “RAMU,” Bernard Blake signed on the dotted line to make it official.
Blake signed a National Letter of Intent to play football at Colorado State University Wednesday during National Signing Day ceremonies at Bastrop High School.
By signing his Letter of Intent, the senior defensive back became the first Bastrop football player in eight years to sign with a DI university. .
“This is a heck of a blessing,” a humble Blake said. “I have dreamed about this day since I was a kid. Go Rams.”
Blake was Bastrop’s defensive leader this past season.
He had 25 solo tackles and three interceptions.
His most memorable interception came in Bastrop’s upset win over Westlake, which sealed a 24-21 win over the Division I state finalists.
He was the 2010 All-Bastrop County Defensive Player of the Year, an Associated Press Class 5A All-State and All-Central Texas selection.
“Bernard is such a great young man and excels in the classroom and on the football field,” said head coach Gerald Perry. “His potential is unlimited.”
Blake said Colorado State won him over after visiting the campus.
“I felt like I fit in there and I really liked the campus,” Blake said. “It’s a chance to continue my football career and I am looking forward to the challenge.”
He chose Colorado State over Texas Christian, North Texas and UT-San Antonio.
Blake was just one of four athletes that signed to play college sports Wednesday.
Girls soccer player Kara Edwards also signed a letter of intent to play soccer at Division II Angelo State University in San Angelo.
Edwards said she chose Angelo State over the University of Michigan, Sam Houston State and Florida State.
“It was closer to home, but far enough to where I can be me,” she said. “I really liked the campus.”
Edwards is a senior captain on the Lady Bears soccer team and a four-year starter.
Edwards said Angelo State has assured her a starting spot on the team in the fall.
Also signing was baseball player Cade Staton, who will play next year at Alvin Junior College.
Wide receiver Auston Shipley also signed to play football at Blinn Junior College in Brenham.
Blinn is the reigning NJCAA National Champions.
Perry also said that defensive lineman Darrell McCloud will be a preferred walk-on at Navarro Junior College in Corsicana in the fall.