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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.
The stars of 2025-26 Atascocita Baseball
TRUE GRIT: No. 2 Atascocita primed to replicate last year's journey to Round Rock
No. 2 -- Atascocita Eagles (6A)
The Eagles peaked at the most pivotal point of the 2025 season, sharing the District 23-6A crown with Kingwood before storming to the 6A Division I State Championship at Dell Diamond—leaving Lake Travis, Pearland, and Katy in their wake. While Atascocita ultimately fell short of its first-ever title in a 6-2 loss to Midway, the 32-13-2 record and the program’s debut appearance in the State Final spoke volumes about the team’s pedigree.
Third-year head coach Jeremy O’Neill returns the bulk of last year’s arsenal, a roster determined to ensure AHS hits the ground running this spring. Atascocita’s star-studded lineup starts with senior left-hander Ty Higginbotham (LSU-Eunice signee), who went 11-2 with a 1.41 ERA and 81 strikeouts en route to 23-6A Co-Pitcher of the Year honors. Behind the plate, Texas State-bound senior Jaxon McNight continues to direct the defense, building on a season that produced 35 hits and 22 RBIs for first-team all-district recognition.
Fellow first-team selections Cole Edwards (Sr. 2B) and Christopher “CJ” Toney (Sr. OF) strengthen an already formidable batting order. Edwards hit over .300 with 28 RBIs, while Toney, a Washington State Football signee, batted .287 with 18 RBIs and four home runs. Junior shortstop Jackson Wooten, a recent Kentucky commit and district second-teamer, led the team with 22 stolen bases and added 18 RBIs.
Armed from top to bottom, Atascocita looks poised to turn its destiny into reality in the months ahead.
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