Suspect arrested, charged with murder for shooting death of former Clemson WR Diondre Overton
A man suspected of shooting and killing former Clemson wide receiver Diondre Overton early in September has been arrested and charged with murder in North Carolina, according to an announcement from the Guilford County Sheriff’s Office on Tuesday.
The man arrested, 20-year-old Jeremiah Diago Blanks, is charged with felony first degree murder and is currently awaiting extradition to the county, the press release said. The announcement detailed that Blanks was arrested in southeast Michigan by Guilford county deputies and U.S. Marshals, among other law enforcement.
Blanks is currently being held in Oakland County, Michigan, before he is extradited.
The announcement added that the initial shooting was an isolated incident and further information wouldn’t be shared at this time.
Overton, a Greensboro, North Carolina, native spent four seasons playing for the Tigers, helping Clemson to a pair of national titles. Overton was playing with the Memphis Showboats of the United Football League.
The 6-foot-5 receiver signed with Clemson ahead of the 2016 season after being ranked as a four-star recruit. He immediately contributed as a freshman, appearing in eight games and catching two passes for 48 yards and a touchdown. Clemson beat Alabama in the national title game that season.
In 2017, Overton helped Clemson get back to the College Football Playoff, catching 14 passes for 178 yards while appearing in all 14 games.
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Clemson won its second national title under Dabo Swinney in 2018, and Overton had his best year yet that season with 14 catches for 199 yards and three touchdowns.
In his final year at Clemson, he caught 22 passes for 352 yards and three touchdowns. Overton appeared in all 15 games that season, making three starts, and helping the Tigers reach the national title game.
An emotional Swinney eulogized Overton shortly after the news broke, sharing how the news of his passing has impacted himself and Overton’s family. He also shared memories and thoughts about the tragic situation.
“First of all, it’s been a long day with the news this morning on Diondre Overton,” Dabo Swinney said. “Took the wind out of my body this morning. Had an opportunity to speak with his dad — obviously, they’re hurting. It’s hard to process something like this. It’s so senseless. Just a beautiful, young life cut short at 26.”