Former UF walk-on, Florida native Boateng dies at 21
GAINESVILLE — Former Florida walk-on offensive lineman Kaleb Boateng has died at age 21.
Boateng played at Fort Lauderdale High and committed to Clemson in 2018. He was a 3-star prospect who ultimately appeared in five games in 2019-20 for the Tigers and earned a spot on the ACC Honor Roll in 2019.
In August 2021, he transferred to UF to join former coach Dan Mullen’s program as a preferred walk-on. He redshirted and was not a member of the 2022 team in Billy Napier’s first season.
Napier tweeted: “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.”
“We are deeply saddened to hear the news of Kaleb’s passing,” Clemson coach Dabo Swinney said in a statement. “This is a very tragic and sad situation. Our prayers are with his family.
“We remember Kaleb as being a good teammate and always having a good spirit to him.”
Members of Florida’s staff reacted to the news.
Katie Turner, the Gators’ assistant athletic director of recruiting, tweeted, “Kaleb was a teammate, a son, a friend, a Gator. Moments like these make you reflect on what you could’ve done better. May God grant us comfort in knowing that Kaleb isn’t in pain any longer. Take care of your mental.”
Bri Wade, the director of on-campus recruiting, tweeted, “I have such a heavy, heavy heart this morning. Praying for Kaleb’s loved ones. May God grant them comfort.”