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NEXT IN LINE: Brian Manuel Emerging as Atascocita’s Next Star
Atascocita High School has seen plenty of next-level talent walk through the Eagles’ locker room.
From standouts like Kenyon Green, Kam Dewberry, Braylon Conley, Jelani Watkins, Tory Blaylock and Cardae Mack, the Eagles have become a pipeline of elite talent in Greater Houston.
So who’s next in line?
Enter rising senior wide receiver Brian Manuel.
Manuel had a breakout campaign last fall, hauling in 57 receptions for 1,059 yards and 16 touchdowns.
“I feel like my junior year went really well,” Manuel said. “It was my first year on varsity as a starter and I feel like I did a good job doing my part. I still feel like there was more I could have done, but overall it was a good season for me.”
His momentum hasn’t slowed during the offseason. Manuel recently went viral on X on the seven-on-seven circuit after making an incredible one-handed catch that has racked up more than 60,000 views.
Coming for everything. @Coach_Coats pic.twitter.com/KFvnQ4Ws1V
— Brian Manuel Jr (@BrianManuelJr1) February 28, 2026
“To be honest, it was just instinct,” Manuel said with a laugh. “I wasn’t planning on going up with one hand, but the closer the ball got, I just reached up with my free hand and came down with it.”
Since the viral moment, Manuel has seen his recruitment start to heat up, picking up offers from Texas State, UNLV and Washburn, with several other schools beginning to show interest.
Manuel might still be one of the more underrated wide receivers in the city of Houston, but he has a clear message for college coaches evaluating his film.
“Anybody recruiting me would be getting a dog,” Manuel said. “A game changer and somebody who’s ready to put in work, earn a spot and just play ball.”
Brian Manuel is a name to watch over the coming months — and don’t be surprised if his recruitment takes off in a big way.
Harold Perkins of Cy Park could have his name called at NFL Draft
NEXT IN LINE: Who could hear their names called at NFL Draft from Houston?
From the front cover of VYPE Magazine to the bright lights of college football, Greater Houston has long been a pipeline for elite talent. Now, a new wave of stars with local roots are positioning themselves as potential 2026 NFL Draft prospects.
They hope to follow the path of Houston products like Jalen Hurts, CeeDee Lamb, Donovan Jackson and Jaylen Waddle — players whose journeys began on the youth and high school fields of the Bayou City before rising to the national stage.
Here are some Greater Houston standouts who could hear their names called next.
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IN ORDER OF DRAFT POTENTIAL
AJ Haulcy – Fort Bend Marshall – LSU
Harold Perkins – Cypress Park – LSU
Jaeden Roberts – North Shore – Alabama
Albert Regis – La Porte – Texas A&M
Caleb Douglas – Hightower – Texas Tech
Noah Thomas – Clear Springs – Georgia
Dillon Bell – Kinkaid – Georgia
PJ Williams – Dickinson – SMU
Bryce Foster – Katy Taylor – Kansas
Kyron Drones – Shadow Creek – Virginia Tech
Ryan Niblett – Eisenhower – Texas
Denver Harris – North Shore – UNLV
Kam Dewberry – Atascocita – Alabama
Malick Sylla – Katy – Mississippi State