2023 NFL Draft Prospect Interview: Celestin Haba, DE, Texas A&M Commerce

• Name: Celestin Haba 
• Position: Edge Rusher / OLB
• College: Texas A&M Commerce
• Height: 6’2
• Weight: 255lbs
• Twitter: @CelestinH45
• Instagram: _45reasonz

What makes you a top prospect at your position  in the 2023 NFL Draft? 

I believe what makes me a top prospect is my versatility, playmaking ability, my high motor and football IQ when it comes to my position and also play recognition. I also feel like my energy rubs off on the players around me giving the whole team a boost.

At what age were you first interested in the sport of football?

I always loved football as long as I can remember but I didn’t start playing organized ball until the eighth grade.

What is one thing that NFL teams should know about you?

That I am a one of a kind player, I truly believe there is no other defensive end like me and can bring to the table what I can bring on and off the field. If I handle business and keep putting in the work I believe I will be in this for the long run. 

If you could donate to one cause in the world, what would it be?

I would donate to the children in need because that is our future so we need to take care of them for a better tomorrow.

What is the best advice you have ever received?

Control what you can control, too many times I caught myself trying to be Superman and solve 100 problems at once. Also if you don’t have nothing have understanding, always recognize both sides to a situation.

Who was your childhood hero?

My childhood hero is Kobe Bryant. I always loved his passion, his grind, and the way he spazzed out on the court.

Who is the most underrated teammate in your locker room at your school?

Austin Samaha. Even though he is just a freshman he comes to practice day in and day out and competes, never complains just straight work. The sky is the limit for him most definitely 

What is your biggest pet peeve?

Every time I go to a fast food restaurant and they out of something.

Overcoming adversity is what defines character, what was the hardest moment in your life to overcome?

2019 when I was coming of my best season of my career and had to sit out at home, I was depressed and didn’t know my next move.

Tell me something about your school and why it is so special to you?

This school is almost like a revive for me, I was able to get the best grades of my college career and able to focus just on school and football, this place will forever have meaning to me.

What is your favorite snack food?

Funyions and oatmeal cream pie 

What is the best part of football?

The energy from the whole stadium, from the players to the fans. I love the excitement of gameday and getting ready to compete and get after it for four quarters playing the game you love. The lifetime friendships and connections you make from this game are unlimited.

If you could sell yourself in one sentence what would you say?

I would say I am one of the most irreplaceable people in the world. 

If you could compare your play to one player in the NFL who would it be?

Von Miller or Shaq Barrett

If you could have dinner with three people dead or alive, who would it be and why?

Kobe Bryant, Lil Boosie, and Aaron Donald. I would talk to these three specifically for life and financial advice.