Hidden Gems: Atascocita’s Next Wave of Stars

Written By: Darren Hendricks

Atascocita vs. Summer Creek. Another heavyweight clash. The scoreboard didn’t lean the Eagles’ way this time, but if you were on those sidelines, you know what I know: this roster is loaded. The tape doesn’t lie. There’s big time talent all over the field, and for recruiters who know how to project, these are names you’ll be hearing again soon.

Offensive Playmakers

Cardae Mack – #14, Sr., RB

5’11 | 202 lbs.

Mack is different. He’s got that rare blend, Barry Sanders’ twitch, Le’Veon Bell’s patience, and Marshall Faulk’s vision. Every snap looks like a highlight waiting to happen. He doesn’t dance, he glides, cuts, and finishes. When the lights get bright, he wants the rock. That’s the kind of mentality that translates to Saturdays and possibly Sundays.

CJ Toney – #4, Sr., RB/ATH

5’9 | 185 lbs

Toney is pure versatility. He’s a nightmare to match up with, too quick for linebackers, too physical for defensive backs. He runs through arm tackles, catches smoothly out of the backfield, and brings juice every time he touches the ball. Coaches love guys who can line up anywhere and make plays. Toney fits that mold to a tee.

Brian Manuel – #17, Jr., WR

6’0 | 165 lbs

When it’s crunch time, Manuel delivers. He attacks the football in the air like it’s his. His catch radius, body control, and confidence jump off the screen on film and in person. For a 2026 prospect, he already plays with a college mindset. His ceiling, way up there.

Defensive Enforcers

Jason Johnson – DE/DT

6’5 | 290 lbs

If you were looking for chaos in the trenches, Johnson was the source. He didn’t just make plays, he wrecked them. Quick off the ball, violent hands, nonstop motor. Offensive linemen had no answers. He’s the kind of interior disruptor every defensive coordinator dreams about.

Yul Everline – #73, Sr., DL/OL

6’4 | 276 lbs

Old school grit. Everline was in the fight all night, plugging gaps, shedding blocks, and winning leverage battles. He’s a true two way warrior who never took a snap off. Size, toughness, and endurance, this kid checks all the boxes for coaches who value trench dominance.

Samir Richards – DB

6’2 | 187 lbs

Richards brings length, confidence, and instincts to the back end. He reads quarterbacks like a veteran and breaks on the ball with purpose. That interception he snagged, pure anticipation. At 6’2 with range, he looks every bit the part of a Power 5 defensive back in the making.

Final Take

Forget the final score, Atascocita’s talent speaks for itself. These kids play with heart, grit, and pride. Every rep, every down, every snap, they compete. That’s culture.

This team is full of next level guys who play for each other and carry themselves like pros in the making. For recruiters and scouts still sleeping on Atascocita, consider this your wake up call.