MANOR, Texas — The Nwabuko last name is well known in football circles around Austin. Chux Nwabuko II was a really good player back in his day at Manor High School. His son, Chux III, was a big-time playmaker at Hutto just a few years back. Now, it's the younger Nwabuko's turn. Che is a super athletic wide receiver and running back for Manor.

"It's a blessing to have my dad as a trainer and brother a top athlete in the area," Che said. "That's the biggest bond. We train together, we talk everyday, laugh, joke and get on each other's butt. That's how family is you know."

Che is one of the senior leaders for this year's Manor team, but he's been on varsity for a while. Che was a sophomore on the Manor team that reached the 4th round of the playoffs in 2019. He learned from some of the seniors on that team, such as Tahj Brooks and Princely Umanmielen.

"It brought me up as a leader, I want to coach up the younger guys now around me," Che said. 

Che has helped Manor get off to a 5-1 start this season, and the Mustangs are 3-0 in the district. His success on the field has led to opportunities after high school. Nwabuko received multiple D1 scholarship offers but ultimately committed to Pitt after a visit over the summer.

"This is what I've been dreaming of and working on the whole time," Che said. "The facilities are amazing and the players that came out of there (Pitt) are legends."

Pitt has produced some big-name NFL talent in recent years with guys like Aaron Donald, Larry Fitzgerald and LeSean McCoy. Nwabuko hopes he can be the next guy from the Panthers program to make it to the league. What he brings to the field is elite speed and a lot of versatility on offense.

"I'm a straight up athlete, put me anywhere on the field and I'll make plays," Che said. "I can score for you, just give me a few times and I'm ready to go every time."

Before he heads off to college next year, Nwabuko is hoping to finish his high school career with another deep playoff run with Manor.