Celestin turned in another strong performance

Mundy’s Mill product led Falcons with six solo tackles
Minnesota defensive back Jacob Huff, left, and linebacker Jonathan Celestin combine to stop Illinois quarterback Cam Thomas. (ASSOCIATED PRESS )

Minnesota defensive back Jacob Huff, left, and linebacker Jonathan Celestin combine to stop Illinois quarterback Cam Thomas. (ASSOCIATED PRESS )

Falcons linebacker Jonathan Celestin led the team with six solo tackles in the 28-14 exhibition loss to the Chiefs on Friday.

Safety Marcelis Branch had four solos and two assisted tackles.

“Here’s what we know so far, this guy came in for his workout and was strong, fit, ready and he’s not backed off one bit,” Quinn said of Celesitn, the former Mundy’s Mill High star who played at Minnesota. “He’s got a real serious approach to his game.”

“We are adding reps to his special teams as we go so we can get a bigger look at some of the space plays where he’s covering 30 or 40 yards down the field,” Quinn said. “Definitely somebody that we’re really interested in.”

Celestin recently had his high school jersey retired. He was named Clayton County defensive player of the year after making 139 tackles during his senior season.

He went on to play at Minnesota, where he had a solid career. Last season, he played in all 12 games and was second on the team with 78 tackles and 5.5 tackles for a loss.

“He does hold his ground,” Quinn said. “I’ve been most impressed with him as a competitor. He’s somebody that we are going take a real serious look at. We like what he stands for.”

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