Western Michigan’s Donald Celiscar named MAC West Defensive POTW
By Brandon F
KALAMAZOO – The most impressive Western Michigan player in the Broncos’ 26-13 loss Friday at Michigan State was cornerback Donald Celiscar.
Dec 27, 2011; Detroit, MI, USA;Western Michigan Broncos running back Aaron Winchester (23) and safety Donald Celiscar (34) during the 2011 Little Caesars Bowl against the Purdue Boilermakers at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports
He recorded 11 tackles and two pass breakups and was the centerpiece holding WMU’s defense together against MSU’s trio of wide receivers in Keith Mumphery, Aaron Burbridge, and Bennie Fowler.
And for his efforts in Week 1, Celiscar was rewarded, as the Mid-American Conferenced named him MAC West Defensive Player of the Week on Monday.
“(Celiscar) held his own,” WMU first-year coach P.J. Fleck said Monday. “They went vertical numerous times, and Donald was stride for stride and made a lot of pass breakups. He did a tremendous job.”
Celiscar is the leader among the WMU defensive backs, and Fleck believes the Broncos’ secondary is one of the best in the nation. Alongside Celiscar, corner Ronald Zamort, free safety Justin Currie, and strong safety Rontavious Atkins all had big days and held MSU to 116 yards through the air.
“The defense is going to run this program, in terms of how we play,” Fleck added. “The defense sets the tone, and I’m a defensive-minded guy, and I believe defense sets the tone for the program.
“I think we have one of the better secondaries in the country, I believe that. I’m not afraid to say it, and I don’t think that they get enough credit. If we do have depth, that’s the one position we have depth at.”
Outside of its talented secondary, Celiscar thanked the play from the WMU linebackers and defensive linemen after the game Friday. He believed the defense worked together as a unit to shut down MSU’s passing attack.
“We had comfort and communication and pursued the ball – that’s pretty much all we did,” Celiscar said. “Everybody was doing their job, they were taking control of one gap, the defensive gaps, and I think the result turned out to be pretty good. It is a good statement.”