Former Florida lineman Kaleb Boateng passes away
GAINESVILLE, Fla. — Former Clemson and Florida lineman Kaleb Boateng passed away on Thursday. He was 21 years old.
Boateng played for the Tigers from 2019-2020 before joining the Gators football team in the summer of 2021.
Florida coach Billy Napier shared a series of tweets about Boateng on Friday.
“It’s hard to find the words in a moment like this. This is a phone call you never want to receive as a parent or as a coach – especially about a former player. Although our time was short together, Kaleb was a Gator. He was a beloved friend, son and teammate,” Napier wrote on his Twitter account. “I pray that God lifts us up and provides comfort to all during a very difficult time.”
“We are extremely saddened by the news regarding former football team member Kaleb Boateng,” UF said in a statement. “Our thoughts and prayers are with his family. The UAA’s team of mental health and grief counselors are available to assist the needs of all of our student-athletes and staff.”
Boateng landed a scholarship offer from Clemson in the days leading up to signing day and inked with the eventual national champions in Dec. 2018. The 6-foot-4, 285-pound offensive lineman played 26 career snaps over five games at Clemson, where he was an ACC Honor Roll selection in 2019.
Tigers coach Dabo Swinney released the following statement Friday morning on Boateng.
“We are deeply saddened to hear the news of Kaleb’s passing. This is a very tragic and sad situation. Our prayers are with his family. While he was only here a couple of years before moving on, we remember Kaleb as being a good teammate and always having a good spirit to him. Our thoughts and condolences are with his family and all of those who were blessed to know him.”
Boateng, who’s from Fort Lauderdale, Florida, transferred back to his home state as a preferred walk-on with the Gators. He did not appear in a game in 2021 and was not with the team last season after participating in spring and fall camp, when he made a switch to defensive line.
Former UF coach Dan Mullen tweeted about Boateng’s passing on Friday.
“So sorry to hear about Kaleb Boateng. He always had a positive attitude and a great work ethic both on and off the field. Prayers to his family and friends.“
The Miami Herald and Sun Sentinel named Boateng first team All Broward 6A-8A as a senior at Fort Lauderdale High School after he anchored the offensive line with 49 knockdown blocks and helped his team finish with a 9-3 record, the most wins for the program since 1974.
Reaction to Kaleb Boateng’s passing
Florida recruiting staffers Katie Turner and Bri Wade:
Florida wide receiver Marcus Burke:
Florida tight end Jonathan Odom:
Former UF safety Donovan McMillon:
Former Florida safety Randy Russell:
Former Florida assistant coach David Turner:
Clemson coach Dabo Swinney:
