USU football player drowns at Porcupine Dam

A Utah State University football player drowned Saturday at Porcupine Dam, according to a press release from Utah State University.

The entire release states: “The Utah State University community is mourning the death of football student-athlete Andre Seldon Jr. In an afternoon news release, the Cache County Sheriff’s Office said there was a search underway for a young man after he was seen diving from cliffs at Porcupine Reservoir and did not resurface. USU officials learned this evening that he was found at 9:05 p.m. by the Utah Department of Public Safety dive team.

“Our football program is heartbroken to have to endure the loss of one of our own,” said interim head coach and defensive coordinator Nate Dreiling.. “Having had a previous relationship with Andre during our time together at New Mexico State, I can tell you he was an incredible person and teammate. Our condolences and prayers go out to Andre’s family as we grieve with them over this tremendous loss.”

Seldon joined the Utah State football program this summer and was scheduled to start classes this fall semester. He most recently played for two seasons at New Mexico State University with coach Nate Dreiling. Prior to that, he spent two seasons at Michigan.

Seldon prepped at Belleville High School in Belleville, Michigan.

“Our Utah State University Athletics family is devastated over the sudden death of Andre Seldon Jr.,” said Vice President and Director of Athletics Diana Sabau. “We extend our deepest sympathies and heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, teammates, and all who loved Andre.”

Utah State is working to ensure both athletics’ staff and student-athletes have emotional and mental support as they process and grieve. Students affected by the death can seek mental and emotional support from Utah State’s CARE office and Counseling and Psychological Services are offering student support. Athletics staff are also encouraged to use resources offered through the Employee Assistance Program. Athletics staff and student-athletes will receive more information about how to access resources.

Initially, a Cache County Sheriff’s Office press release, at 2:20 p.m. Saturday, said a man was seen diving from cliffs into the water and never resurfaced.

Rescue crews were then called to the area and began a search.

A Utah Department of Public Safety dive team and DPS helicopter helped with the search.

Seldon Jr. was an impact performer as a cornerback during his two seasons at New Mexico State, which made significant strides with Dreiling as the defensive coordinator. The 5-foot-9, 190-pounder was NMSU’s seventh-leading tackler during the ’23 campaign with 52, plus he ranked first on the team in passes broken up with seven and he contributed with 3.0 tackles for loss, one interception and one forced fumble. Seldon Jr. accounted for 44 tackles, one forced fumble, one INT — a pick-six against Lamar — one blocked kick and four PBUs during his first season in Las Cruces.

Seldon Jr., who announced his commitment to USU back in mid-May, was highly recruited coming out of Belleville High School as he was a 4-star prospect and the fourth-highest rated class of 2020 recruit in the entire state of Michigan, according to 247sports.com. Seldon Jr. played in one game in each of his two seasons with the Wolverines and garnered academic all-Big Ten Conference honors in 2021.

News of Seldon Jr.’s passing spread on X (formerly Twitter) as a wealth of Michigan and NMSU fans shared their condolences, plus coaches from several different schools. Seldon Jr. was highly respected by the current and former sports director for KTSM 9 News out of El Paso, Texas. Both expressed their adoration for the former NMSU student-athlete on X.

“I’ll never forget Andre Seldon Jr.,” posted current sports director Sam Guzman. “One of the best athletes and great human beings I’ve had the opportunity to cover. This is absolutely heartbreaking. Thoughts and prayers to his family and friends.

“He was adored by literally everyone; teammates, coaches, fans and the media,” posted former sports director Colin Deaver. “Not many people I’ve convered that I thought as highly of as I did of Andre. Great player, so insightful and so genuine a person. I will miss him. RIP.”

Another sports reporter/anchor, Bea Martinez, who is employed by KVIA ABC-7 News out of El Paso, posted a video on X of former NMSU head coach Jerry Kill talking about Seldon Jr.’s legacy.

“He’s got a big family because he’s got all of us,” Kill said. “And the people out there is Las Cruces … we lost a good one, but he can teach us all something and he’ll be somebody that we’ll never forget. And each day I ask you all to think about Andre Seldon because is can teach us all something every single day.”

Posted current USU linebackers coach Bobby McMillen, who held that same position at NMSU while Seldon Jr. was a player there, on social media: “You (were) so loved by everyone you encountered. Your smile, your passion, and your unconditional love for others was truly one of a kind. We all love you and will always keep your legacy alive. Rest easy Andre.”