Interview: 4-Star 2021 Louisiana RB Iverson Celestine will be a Program Changer

Written by Ryan Wright

Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG

There are players coming up through the high school ranks who project to be difference makers with the potential to be a two- or three-year starter with All-Conference talents. And, then there are guys like Class of 2021 running back Iverson Celestine who could be all that and more showing the capability of being a program changer. Scary thing of it all, he is just beginning to scratch the surface of his overall talents.

Players on opposing Louisiana 5A defenses could write a detailed thesis paper, speaking from experience, about how life is unfair after having to take on Celestine during the 2018 season. The 5-10, 190-pound, back is a rare mix of truly elite speed and power. He burned teams for 1,680 yards on the ground with 18 trips to the end zone posting two other scores on the board in the passing attack. The overall effort helped Mandeville’s Fontainebleau High School to a 6-6 season. Along the way, their standout back earned four-star status, All-Metro, All-Parish, and All-District honors. Other top honors came from college football programs; four honors to be exact: Tulane, Utah, South Alabama, and Virginia.

With recruiting picking up on one of Louisiana’s top talents, I sat down for a feature one-on-one interview covering ground on and off the field.

Interview

Iverson, it is fun to watch you run. How would you or how do you describe your running style?

“I would describe it as nasty with the ability to have some finesse.”

You know how guys like to talk sports, what are some of the names of famous running backs people try to compare with you?

“Leonard Fournette. I am always compared to him, which is fine by me. I am a big Fournette fan. It is my goal to run nasty like him.”

I see the comparison. Beyond your explosive speed, what are some of the other strengths to your game?

“I am better at receiving than people give me credit. I can go into the slot or on the outside. They can put me anywhere and I can routes as well as any receiver, in my humble opinion. Another strength, I go into the game with the mindset if you feel me one time you will think twice the next time before you try again. I set the tone, with the help of my teammates, with my running style. I try to set that personal tone letting them know you will have to deal with me all game.”

What were some of the ways your game rose to another level in 2018?

“The big one was my receiving abilities. That was noticeable from my freshman year to my sophomore year. I think I had nine receptions in 2017, but I had 19 in 2018.”

Which game was your best last season?

“I think my personal best was the Denham Springs game.”

Why was that game your best?

“I ran for 291 yards and four touchdowns.”

That is a very good game. Which aspects of your skillset are you working on this offseason?

“I am not focused on one thing, I am always working on all of it. There is always room for improvement.”

Because of your speed, what is the best 40-yard dash time you’ve laid down?

(Laughs) “I haven’t run one yet.”

I can’t wait to see the time when you do. Going into recruiting. How many offers do you have now?

“I have four offers from Tulane, Utah, South Alabama, and Virginia.”

Which schools are showing interest but have not offered yet?

“I know this sounds weird, but my dad and trainer deal with all that. I really don’t know. I know Notre Dame is showing interest.”

Are you competing in any other sports for Fontainebleau this year?

“Yes, sir. I will run track this year.”

Which events?

“The 4×1 and the open 100.”

Last few questions. What do you do away from football for fun?

“I am a chill person. I like to hang out with a few friends. I am a gym rat. I love going to the gym.”

When you are working out this offseason preparing for your junior season, what is your motivation?

“My motivation is to be better than last year. I want to improve in every way possible.”

What goals have you already set for the 2019 campaign?

“I want to outperform myself. I wanted to hit 2,000 yards in 2018 but I came up short. I am going for 2,500 yards in 2019.”

Iverson, it was great learning more about you and your game tonight. I appreciate your time.

“Thank you.”

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Photo credit: Celestine family; No. 8 Iverson Celestine in action