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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.
A STAR IN BORN: Coats takes over coveted Atascocita football program
Kyle Coats keeps a Dallas Cowboys star tucked inside an envelope in his desk — a small reminder of a childhood dream that’s followed him everywhere. It’s been with him at the University of Texas at Austin, at DeSoto High School, and most recently at College Park High School.
For Coats, that symbol represents the long-term goal he’s chased since childhood: one day becoming head coach of the Cowboys. Atascocita is simply the next step in that journey.
“Yep, that star will always stay with me,” Coats laughed. “I might be 65 when I accomplish that goal, or I may never get there — but you have to keep pushing toward big goals.”
He leaves College Park better than he found it. The Cavaliers are coming off a district championship and a third-round playoff run — the deepest in program history.
“I love College Park — the players, the community, the people,” he said. “I don’t want those kids to think they did anything wrong. This is a decision for my family and my career. They’ve been incredible.
“I pick them to win district next year with what they have coming back. My message is simple: I never took a snap at College Park. Those guys believed in each other and won those games. I just had the honor of steering the ship.”
Now Coats steps into arguably the toughest district in Texas, featuring powers like North Shore Mustangs, Summer Creek Bulldogs, CE King Panthers, Humble Wildcats, Crosby Cougars, and Channelview Falcons.
“I love putting myself and the people around me in challenging situations,” he said. “Atascocita is a special place. We’re going to get boots on the ground quickly and start building. We’ll be visible in the community and engaged — just like we were at College Park.
“I love playing the big dogs every week and seeing if we can make a run. We want to be considered one of the best programs in the state every time we step on the field.
“When I was at Texas, winning a national championship was preached every day. At DeSoto, if you didn’t win or reach state, the season felt incomplete. That’s the mindset we’re bringing here. It’s high praise — but also high expectations. Pressure is a privilege.”
As Coats settles into his new office at Atascocita, there will be boxes to unpack and groundwork to lay. He’ll bring his trademark energy, confidence, and competitive edge.
And somewhere nearby — in an envelope that’s traveled his entire coaching journey — that star will still be there, quietly reminding him why he started.
The Kyle Coats era at Atascocita begins now.