Diamond In The Rough: Iverson Celestine

Iverson Celestine is a running back from Fontainebleau High School which is in Mandeville, La is the true definition of a Diamond in the Rough. I saw him play last season against Ponchatoula High School where he was next to impossible to stop. After watching his film and seeing him play live I graded him out as a 9.0 out of 10 and a 5-star prospect for Louisiana. He was timed at Tulane last summer at a 4.55 forty-yard dash, but his game speed is much faster. I graded his strength as a 10 because of the number of times I saw him plow over defensive linemen as if they did not know how to stop him. He got a 10 for his technique as well. He has exceptional bursts out of his cuts and he has great use of his hands. Iverson has the potential to be an every down back at the FBS level. No wonder schools like La Tech, Utah, Virginia, Tulane, and South Alabama have already offered him full ride scholarships.

CHECK OUT IVERSONS GAME FILM HERE

Fontainebleau High School vs Ponchatoula High School on Oct 25th 2019. Photo by Louisiana Gridiron Football

So, Iverson, when did you start playing football? I started playing football when I was 4 years old for Abita Recreation.

Who got you into playing football? My dad, we are a football family. My dad played when he was in high school, so did my brothers. At first, I started playing for them, but as time passed, I fell in love with this sport.

Who has been the biggest influence in your life? My mom and Dad. They have always been there for me. They have been the ones that have taught me everything about morals in life and respect.

What have you learned about yourself while playing football? I have learned that I am very good under pressure. I have also learned to overcome adversity and how to handle different situations.

Speaking of overcoming adversity, tell me something you have had to overcome? My freshman year we only won 3 games and so all my friends began to ask me why I did not want to transfer to the Southshore and go to a school like Curtis or something. I wanted to stay here and show what I was made of. So, my Sophomore year we went 6 and 5 and played in a playoff game. I am so glad I made the decision to stay here at Fontainebleau. I am looking forward to my senior season.

What have you done to prepare for your senior season during this shut-in due to the Covid-19 outbreak? Nothing really has changed for me when it comes to training. My trainer sends me workouts to do every day. I have been focusing on my lower body strength because I want to be even stronger for my senior year.

What is your favorite play? Why? My favorite play has to be inside zone because I love making people miss. I love to show how versatile I am, and I love to hit.

What are some things that make you versatile? People do not know how agile I am or how fast I get out of cuts like any other speed back out there. My official time at Tulane before last season was a 4.55 forty but I think I am much faster this year. I can also move out and play receiver as well.

What separates you from any other running backs across the country? My mentality. I have a mamba mentality. It is either kill or be killed. I feel that I am a different breed. In my humble opinion I feel that I am going to offer something that others will not be able to. I am very coachable, learn fast, and I am willing to do whatever it takes.

FOLLOW IVERSON ON TWITTER AT @iversonc_8