4-Star Diondre Overton Opens Up on Top 5 and Chances of Being a 2-Sport Athlete

There was a time when 4-star wide receiver Diondre Overton once thought his future in college athletics would be courtesy of the basketball court. At 6'5" and 194 pounds, he would have been a solid option at the combo guard spot for a program.

As the days go by, Overton's hoop dreams are turning more and more into a gridiron fantasy. And that fantasy inched closer to reality status on Friday when the Greensboro, North Carolina, standout announced his top five.

"These five have pretty much been recruiting me the hardest and showing me the most love," Overton said. "I like the facilities and the coaching staffs. Some of the other colleges that offered backed off, but these five contacted me the most."

Last month at The Opening Charlotte regional, Overton told Bleacher Report that he was strongly considering playing football and basketball in college. The idea still is with Overton, but football holds the edge if he chooses to play one sport.

"It's something I've thought about," he said. "If I focus on one sport, I'll have more opportunity to improve and work on my game. Plus, it will relieve a lot of stress. I know it takes a lot to do both."

As a wide receiver for Walter Hines Page Senior High School last season, Overton caught 62 passes for 1,187 yards and 11 touchdowns, according to his Rivals.com page. He then switched his attention to basketball and, according to MaxPreps, averaged 14.6 points, 6.2 rebounds, 4.4 assists and 1.3 steals per game as a junior.

Credit: 247Sports

For now, Overton is leaning toward playing football only—and he likes all five programs on his list for various reasons. He said he's a fan of Nebraska wide receivers coach Keith Williams.

"The wide receivers coach at Nebraska is pretty cool. He tells me a lot of interesting things and has convinced me to give them a chance," Overton said. "N.C. State is the home school. I've been around it my whole life. I've been there several times, and I love the environment.

"I was at UNC's Freak Show [camp], and it really impressed me a lot, way more than I expected. The whole atmosphere is nice there. With Tennessee, I like that they're producing good wide receivers. The campus is nice, and I like the weight room there."

Of the five schools, Clemson may be the school to watch. Overton's 247Sports Crystal Ball points unanimously to Clemson, and he's made a few unofficial trips to the campus.

"Every time I go there, I like it more and more," he said. "It's always been near the top for me. I like the wide receiver coach [Jeff Scott], and I like how they're producing more and more wide receivers each year."

Whether or not Overton chooses to play basketball at the next level is up to him. Although he doesn't have a basketball scholarship offer for his top five, he's been in contact with the basketball coaches to discuss the possibility of being a two-sport athlete.

For now, he is focusing more on finding a football home and a place where he can get the best education. He's looking to major in sports medicine. No timetable has been set, but Overton said he will continue keeping all options open.

"I definitely want a good coaching staff, a good environment and a place where I can study my major," he said. "Plus, I want to be a part of a great team that has a lot of history. I'm looking for a great school where I can fit in."

Damon Sayles is a National Recruiting Analyst for Bleacher Report. All quotes were obtained firsthand. All player ratings are courtesy of 247Sports' composite ratings. Follow Damon via Twitter: @DamonSayles