Interview: 4-Star 2021 Louisiana RB Iverson Celestine Continues to Impress
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
As any top running back can attest, life is not easy on the gridiron when facing eight in the box. Yet, somehow guys like Iverson Celestine not only deal with it in a positive way but they make it look easy. Going against 5A Louisiana competition, Celestine’s junior campaign further solidified his place among the top players in his class.
Coaches worth their salt knew about Celestine after his sophomore season. The 5-10, 195-pound, back was that rare mix of speed and power crushing defenders in 2018 for 1,680 yards with 18 rush scores while adding two receiving. Fontainebleau High School had a down season in 2019 going from 6-6 to 3-8, but that did not stop Celestine from proving his elite status as a four-star recruit. He mowed down the field for 1,150 yards with 20 touchdowns and split out to receiver covering 460 yards with five more trips into the end zone. Local media and coaches have now voted Celestine on back-to-back All-District, All Parish and All Metro teams.
As the legend of Celestine grows across the Sportsman’s Paradise, his heroics are reaching college programs as well. Nine schools have offered Celestine with interest building. One can easily expect the offer sheet to double once the 2020 class has completed their run through National Signing Day and with camp and combine season already beginning.
For an update on his season and recruiting, Celestine jumped into the lab for a great one-on-one conversation.
Interview
Iverson, I started out our last interview this way and I will say it again, I love watching you run.
“Thank you.”
Your burst up the field looked even better this season and your cuts were on point. Did you run the ball the way you wanted to in 2019?
“I did. I wish I could have shown more on film with longer runs, showing that I can break loose. It can always be better but for the most part I reached my goals.”
Which game was your best overall performance?
“That’s a good one. Probably the Ponchatoula game. I did a little bit of everything in that game.”
Looks like you were seeing a lot of guys in the box staring back at you pre-snap, how were defenses trying to stop you?
“They were loading the box. I am used to it by now. It is getting worse and worse. We tried to minimize that in the receiving game. Our coaches would put me at receiver, it forced them to choose between stopping the run or guarding me at receiver.”
Nice lead-in. Your talent pulling in passes was on display as well. How did that part of your game improve?
“It started in the summer working hard and knowing that I needed to improve. Le’Veon Bell (Jets), I grew up idolizing his game. The work put in was trying to perfecting my craft through the offseason and pre-season. I was going whole nine yards to get better.”
What are the strengths to your overall game now?
“Biased, but I think I can play every part of the running back position. I am making the first and second person miss, I should never be tackled by the first or second person. I am good at making something out of nothing and I am good at falling forward for positive yards.”
Is there anything you will do differently this offseason to prepare for your senior year?
“No, sir. I prep the best I can, and I try to be the best I can be. Actually, I am doing yoga this year.”
Which parts of your game will you focus on this winter and spring?
“The way we train, I am getting ready for the power camps working on my speed and agility. I will work on pass protection, so I can be the most complete back I can be with the ball in and out of my hands.”
Are you running track again?
“Yes, sir.”
Which events?
“The 4×1, open 100, and I might run the 200.”
Which schools are showing interest but have not offered yet?
“Texas A&M, Penn State, LSU, Ohio State, Michigan, Pitt – that’s all I can think of right now.”
Impressive. What is the offer total up to now?
“I have nine offers.”
Celestine’s Offer Sheet: Colorado, Louisiana Tech, South Alabama, Southern Miss, Toledo, Tulane, Utah, and Virginia
Over the course of the season, did you take any visits?
“Yes. I went to Utah and Tulane.”
Starting with Utah, how did that trip go?
“It went well. They beat UCLA. That was a good unofficial. I liked it.”
And Tulane?
“It is nice. I like Tulane.”
Coming up, which schools might you visit?
“Colorado and I am supposed to go see Virginia.”
You mentioned camps a few minutes ago, which camps might you compete at this spring?
“The Opening, Rivals, and at Under Armour again.”
Iverson, always a pleasure. Thanks for your time and good luck with the camps and visits.
“Thank you.”
Photo credit: Celestine family; Iverson Celestine at Utah