A 20-year-old man from Michigan was arrested and charged with first-degree murder in connection with the fatal shooting of former Clemson wide receiver Diondre Overton last month, according to North Carolina police on Tuesday.
Authorities believe Jeremiah Diago Blanks killed Overton during a gathering in Greensboro, the former player’s hometown, the Guilford County Sheriff’s Office stated in a news release. Sheriff Danny H. Rogers explained that detectives traveled to Michigan with assistance from the U.S. Marshals Service to arrest Blanks.
No further information about Blanks or a possible motive has been released. He is currently being held in Oakland County Jail, located in Pontiac, Michigan, awaiting extradition to North Carolina.
Overton, 26, was found on September 7 after deputies responded to reports of a loud party. Despite receiving medical assistance, he was pronounced dead at the scene.
Overton played for Clemson from 2016 to 2019, contributing to two national championship teams. He recorded 52 catches for 777 yards and seven touchdowns during his career.
News of Overton’s death surfaced hours before Clemson’s 66-20 win over Appalachian State on September 10. Head coach Dabo Swinney paid tribute to Overton by visiting his plaque during the team’s stadium entrance, calling him “one of the sweetest, most spirited” players and a great teammate.
