Sometimes, Hollywood gets it right.
Sofian Massoud is not your average move-in. From Cardinal Hayes High School in the Bronx to Houston, Massoud brings some New York swagger to Cypress Lakes – traditionally a basketball school.
"The 'Friday Night Lights' thing is real, especially coming from New York," the new Cy Lakes QB said. "We don't play in stadiums and there isn't a lot of places to train in the city. We'd have to take trains or drive out of the Bronx to go throw. Here, you can drive 10 minutes and be on a wide-open field."
"The movies portray kids in Texas as celebrities in their neighborhoods," he laughs. "That's a real thing."
Massoud takes the reigns of a team that has never made the postseason and the most recognizable figure in school history is Sacramento King De'Aaron Fox.
"There are jerseys, posters and plaques all over the school of him," he said. "He is great player, but I'm trying to make my own name here."
The 6-foot-1 QB/Athlete has verbally committed to the University of Houston but has high hopes for his senior year.
"I got here in May and everyone was really welcoming," he said. "We had a good 7-on-7 season and have been working out together on our own."
Massoud was born in Houston before moving to New York. His mother played basketball at the University of Houston and his grandparents have always been in the area. His brother Ismael Massoud is a 6-foot-8 freshman basketball player at Wake Forest, so the athletic genes are there.
His choice to commit to UH, however, had a lot to do with the coach.
"Coach (Dana) Holgorsen is one of the best coaches in the country to learn from," he said. "Why would I pass that up? I hope learning from him can move me forward in my career."
According to Massoud, he's a bit of a film rat. He watches game film on opponents as well as QBs he wants to emulate.
"I feel like I can make any throw and also run when things break down," he said. "I love to watch Aaron Rodgers, Tom Brady and Patrick Mahomes. I try and take a little from each one."
While he is bit of a mystery, could Massoud lead the Cypress Lakes Spartans to a historic season in 2019?
Badda bing.