Cliett selected to attend South Florida where he majored in interdisciplinary social science. As a freshman in 2010, he was redshirted and didn't appear in a game until the next season. In 2011, he appeared in nine game, both on defense and special teams. He recorded five tackles, 1.5 tackles-for-loss, a sack and one pass break up. In 2012, he appeared in 11 games, starting six at linebacker and he also played special teams. He recorded 40 tackles, two for-losses, a sack, three passes broken up and a fumble recovery. In 2013, he appeared in 11 games, starting 10. He recorded 56 tackles, seven for-losses, three pass break-ups and one sack. In 2014, he was named a team captain. For the season, he recorded 38 tackles, 7.5 for-losses and a team-leading six sacks. For his college career, he recorded 134 total tackles, 16 for-losses, seven sacks, seven pass-break ups and two fumble recoveries.
Professional career
During his pro-day work out, Cliett recorded a 4.4 and 4.5 second 40-yard dash. He also recorded a 38 1/2" vertical leap, a 10-foot 4 inch broad jump, a 4.53 second short shuttle, a 7.2 second 3-cone drill. He also recorded 21 reps of 225 pounds, and weighed in at 235 lbs..
Houston Texans
Cliett was selected in the sixth round of the 2015 NFL draft by the Houston Texans. He signed his rookie contract on May 8, 2015. He was placed on injured reserve with a knee injury on September 1, 2015. On September 3, 2016, Cliett was released by the Texans.
Denver Broncos
On September 13, 2016, Cliett was signed to the Broncos' practice squad. He was released on October 18, 2016.
New York Jets
On October 26, 2016, Cliett was signed to the Jets' practice squad. He was released by the Jets on November 1, 2016.
Arizona Cardinals
On November 22, 2016 Cliett was signed to the Cardinals' practice squad. He was released on December 6, 2016 but was re-signed on December 13, 2016.
Tennessee Titans
On January 3, 2017, Cliett signed a reserve/future contract with the Titans. On May 15, 2017, he was waived by the Titans.
On May 16, 2017, Cliett was claimed off waivers by the Kansas City Chiefs. He was waived/injured on August 6, 2017 and placed on injured reserve. He was released on August 12, 2017.
On March 29, 2018, Cliett signed with the Minnesota Vikings. He was waived on September 1, 2018 and was signed to the practice squad the next day. He signed a reserve/future contract with the Vikings on January 2, 2019. On August 31, 2019, Cliett was waived by the Vikings. He was re-signed to the practice squad on December 3, 2019. His practice squad contract with the team expired on January 20, 2020.
On October 16, 2019, Cliett was selected in the 2020 XFL Draft by the Dallas Renegades. He signed a contract with the team on January 18, 2020. He had his contract terminated when the league suspended operations on April 10, 2020.
