Next Man Up: Diondre Overton ready to step and play the slot if needed

Overton is cross-training at all of the receiver positions

by David Hood - Senior Writer - Thu Mar 28 08:37:49 GMT-04:00 2019

CLEMSON – Next man up.

Wide receiver Diondre Overton had one of Wednesday’s better catches during Clemson’s practice inside Death Valley, and he did it from the slot receiver position. Overton is working out in the slot because projected starter Amari Rodgers tore his ACL during Monday’s practice and will miss significant time.

Overton has been working at the outside receiver positions but will no begin the process of cross-training in the slot. He has 30 career receptions for 425 yards over the first two seasons of his career, and a move to the slot could present matchup opportunities for the offense because of his size (6-4, 210).

“It's the next man up. You have to learn and study and be ready and put the time in and be ready when my name is called,” Overton told TigerNet after Wednesday’s practice. “There are a lot of names. Everybody is ready to step in a fill that role. TJ Chase and Cornell Powell and even the freshmen coming in are wanting to step it. It's who wants it more.”

Overton said the players have all rallied around Rodgers.

“We are trying to motivate him and keep his head up a little bit” he said. “He knows all of our arms are around him and we are supporting him, and he will come back better than ever.”

Overton said moving from the outside to the slot isn’t as challenging as people would think.

“There really isn't much of a difference. You just have to understand the concepts and once you get it down it will all come easy,” he said. “It could be an opportunity, but I feel bad for my boy Amari. Hopefully, he has a speedy recovery but it's the next man up mentality and hopefully, if I can play that role I will do a good job.

“I am trying to learn all of the positions so I can be versatile so I can be ready when my number is called. I feel like I can produce good matchups during games. It's not about being fast, it's just about going out there and doing your job and getting the job done.”