Diondre Overton, a former Clemson receiver who was a backup on national championship teams in 2016 and 2018, has passed away at the age of 26.
Clemson announced his death on Saturday. A university official said they learned of Overton’s passing and contacted the police in Greensboro, North Carolina, to confirm it.
No additional details were provided in Clemson’s announcement.
“Clemson Football and the entire Clemson Family mourns the passing of Clemson alumnus Diondre Overton,” the program posted on X on Saturday. “Our thoughts are with his family and friends.”
Coach Dabo Swinney paused to touch Overton’s captain’s plaque when he and the team entered Memorial Stadium for their game against Appalachian State on Saturday night.
“It took the wind out of my body this morning,” Swinney said after Clemson’s 66-20 win over Appalachian State. “He truly was one of the sweetest-spirited kids we’ve had come through here. My heart hurts.”
Before the game, there was a tribute to Overton. Two Clemson players, quarterback Trent Pearman and safety Rob Billings, who both wore No. 14, led the Tigers down the hill in honor of Overton, who also wore No. 14.
Overton played at Clemson from 2016 to 2019, with 52 catches for 777 yards and seven touchdowns in 51 games.
He later played professionally in the USFL in 2022 and 2023.
His best season at Clemson was in 2019 when he had career highs of 22 receptions for 352 yards and three touchdowns. All three of his touchdowns that season came in a game against Boston College, where he had 119 yards on three catches, all for touchdowns.
