Playing behind the likes of DeAngelo (D-Lo) Benton, Josh Bradshaw, Cordieus Smith and Rueben Randle for the past two years, Preston Coleman has patiently waited his turn.
Coleman played effectively when called upon last season, catching 10 passes for 222 yards and three touchdowns.
As a senior, Coleman is being counted on to help replenish a receiving corps depleted by graduation and Randle’s position change to quarterback.
Though undersized at 5-8, 160 pounds, Coleman has the heart and football savvy to make an impact.
“Preston’s one of the hardest workers we have,” said Bastrop receivers coach Adrian Burnette. “He’s very knowledgeable and understands what we are trying to accomplish.
“If I’m working with another player, I can trust that Preston is going to be helping one of the younger guys.”
Coleman played sparingly as a sophomore. In his own words, “I saw mop-up duty. If we were ahead 42-0, I got to play.”
Burnette has seen Coleman make tremendous progress since then.
“Preston is light years ahead of where he was on day one,” Burnette said. “He’s a guy that I expect to do something beyond high school.”
FIRST QUARTER
BDE: When did you start playing football?
Preston Coleman: I didn’t start playing football until my eighth grade year so I got a late start.
I started playing baseball when I was 6.
BDE: How did you spend your summer?
Coleman: Working out, going to camp, playing baseball, eating and sleeping.
BDE: You have paid your dues. Are you looking forward to being one of the go-to receivers this season?
Coleman: It is different with all eyes on me and Stanley Moore, but I am ready to accept the challenge.
BDE: Coach Bradshaw says you have become one of the leaders of the receiving corps. What have you done to provide senior leadership?
Coleman: Basically, I try to answer any questions the younger guys may have.
I show them how to do drills and how we do things in the weight room.
If they’re down, I try to bring them up.
I talk to them about the importance of their school work, too.
SECOND QUARTER
BDE: What have you learned from playing with receivers like Rueben and D-Lo?
Coleman: From watching them, I learned to play with intensity, to be physical and to concentrate on the ball.
BDE: What are your strengths and weaknesses?
Coleman: My strength is probably my work ethic.
My weakness is my size and, at times, a lack of concentration.
BDE: How is Rueben coming along at quarterback?
Coleman: Rueben’s a great quarterback. If he wants to, he can play quarterback in college. Hopefully, we can help him get over 4,000 yards passing this year.
BDE: That’s a lot of yards.
Coleman: It would be fun, though.
THIRD QUARTER
BDE: What are your favorite and least favorite aspects of football?
Coleman: I love everything about football. The only part I don’t like is having to wait so long between games both during the week and during the off-season. It’s a long time from December until now.
BDE: Does all the success the team has had over the past three years bring any added pressure?
Coleman: Some people may say it’s pressure. I like to think of it as a challenge, so I am working my hardest to try to help my team win another one.
BDE: Do you have a pregame or postgame ritual?
Coleman: I usually pray and talk to my teammates before the game.
BDE: What game are you looking forward to the most?
Coleman: I can’t wait until we play on ESPNU next week (against Dollarway). Of course, the main goal is to get back to New Orleans.
FOURTH QUARTER
BDE: What do you do to chill out on weekends.
Coleman: Watch TV, eat and sleep.
Every now and then and mow a yard to earn a little money.
Basically, I just try to stay out of trouble.
BDE: How would you spend your time if you weren’t playing sports?
Coleman: Without sports, I wouldn’t be where I am right now. My life would be pretty boring.
BDE: You’re going on the Mu Sigma trip to New York in the spring. What part of that trip are you the most excited about?
Coleman: Going to all of the historical places and seeing them up close.
BDE: Tell us about your future plans?
Coleman: I want to go to college and play ball. Right now, I’m looking into engineering and business management.
As far as long-term, I would like to get my masters, have a family and a successful career.
Bastrop, La. —
