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Katy's Gunner Nelson steps up in the pocket against Atascocita
FAT BOY'S PIZZA Player of the Month: Nelson, Katy gunning for a Title
Junior QB Gunner Nelson has flourished in his debut as Katy’s signal-caller, and he is well aware of the weight that comes with the task.
Photo provided by Gunner Nelson
“It’s a good feeling to have, to be one of the leaders on this team from the quarterback position,” he said. “It’s my first time as a starter, so there’s a lot of responsibility that comes with it, especially for this team.”
“Growing up, all my coaches were about discipline, hard work, and effort. Having that at a young age made it easier for me, coming into a program like Katy. That experience has helped me to understand what they’re telling me to do in order to execute.”
Nelson has stepped into the role confidently, as he is about to surpass 1,000 passing yards on the season, with 13 touchdowns to his name, while having only thrown two picks thus far.
Despite the success he has seen, the Katy junior remains humble.
“I’d say my strength comes from my teammates,” said Nelson. “The line helps me to stay calm in the pocket, and having good receivers like I do – Izzy (Israel Olotu-Judah), Oliver (Ginn), and Cade (McCall) – along with tight ends that can make plays, makes it so much easier for me as the QB.”
Some of the stars of 2023-24 Katy FootballBradley C. Collier (VYPE)
With only a few weeks remaining in the regular season, and three more district opponents to face – Cinco Ranch, Seven Lakes, and Katy Taylor – the Tigers have their eyes set on a third-consecutive district championship.
But, it comes as no surprise that Nelson and co. want more.
“We plan to go all the way this year,” Nelson said. “Something that’s going to help us get there is our emphasis on discipline, executing on both sides of the ball, and doing the little things right. We’ve made a lot of progress this year, so if we can maintain that mindset, I know we’re capable of achieving something greater.”
Katy Football's Dakyus Brinkley
IN THE GENES: Katy's Brinkley pursuing next-level legacy
“It was a difficult move going from Seven Lakes to Katy,” said Brinkley. “But, when I started practicing with them, everything started to ease out.
“Working with coach (AJ) Blum as a defensive end, he’s one of the best coaches I’ve gotten to know. I think that this decision will benefit me in the long run.”
Bradley C. Collier (VYPE)
With his 6-foot-4 frame, combined with his versatility as LB/DE, Brinkley has become a true game-wrecker off the edge. His run-stopping capability and relentless disruption in the pocket makes him a nightmare for any opposing offense.
Additionally, it’s made him one of the top prospects in the nation for his position. So much so that Brinkley has become the highest-ranked recruit to ever commit to the University of Kansas.
“I really loved the bond and connection each person has on the Kansas staff,” he said. “Everybody is treated well to make it a unit. It’s just filled with love and I feel like it can be home.”
Brinkley claims that he models his game after two NFL pro-bowlers – Haasan Reddick and Jadeveon Clowney.
However, his primary inspiration is that of his father, Jasper Brinkley, who was a linebacker at the University of South Carolina before advancing to the NFL, where he played for the Minnesota Vikings, New York Giants and others.
“My biggest role model is my Dad, without a doubt,” said Brinkley. “Without him, I likely wouldn’t be where I am today. I’d watch him play football growing up and he’s been an inspiration for me ever since. I look up to him a lot, and he’s just a big part of my life.”
As one could imagine, Brinkley intends to advance his career to continue his family’s legacy of professional athletes.
Some of the stars of 2023-24 Katy Tigers FootballBradley C. Collier (VYPE)
But, he’s surprisingly not one to talk up his own game ahead of his senior season with Katy football.
“I was making plays every day during Spring Ball,” he said. “But, I’m not going to say what my numbers are going to be, or say how well I – or Katy – are going to do this upcoming season.”
“I’d rather just show you when the time comes."