GAMES
RANKINGS
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.
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BUILDING THE NEXT GENERATION: Dena Scott Helping Shape the Future of Texas Coaching
Dena Scott has long been a trailblazer in Texas high school athletics.
During her tenure as athletics director for Fort Bend Independent School District, Scott helped shape one of the premier athletic departments in the state. Now, she’s taking her impact to another level.
Scott has been named Program Director of Future Coaches of Texas, a curriculum developed through Texas A&M University designed to create a pipeline for the next generation of coaches.
The concept is simple — but powerful.
Think Career and Technical Education (CTE) for students who are interested in pursuing coaching as a career path.
The program provides high school students with hands-on learning, mentorship and exposure to the profession, while also addressing a growing need across the state: developing future leaders on the sidelines.
It’s a win for students — and for the future of coaching in Texas.
VYPE’s Matt Malatesta caught up with Dena Scott to learn more about the newly launched program and how it could shape the industry for years to come.
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