Former Florida offensive lineman Kaleb Boateng dead at 21
Former Florida offensive lineman Kaleb Boateng died on Thursday. He was 21 years old. No cause of death has been reported.
Boateng spent the 2021 season with Florida as a walk-on offensive lineman after transferring from Clemson. A three-star recruit out of Fort Lauderdale High School, he spent the first two years of his career as a reserve for the Tigers before joining the Gators.
The university put out a statement on Friday.
“We are extremely saddened by the news regarding former football tea member Kaleb Boateng,” it read. “Our thoughts and prayers are with his family. The UAA’s team of mental health and fried counselors are available to assist the needs of all of our student-athletes and staff.”
Both of Boateng’s head coaches while at Florida, Billy Napier and Dan Mullen, publicly offered condolences on social media.
I pray that God lifts us up and provides comfort to all during a very difficult time.
— COACH BILLY NAPIER (@coach_bnapier) February 10, 2023
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.
— Dan Mullen (@CoachDanMullen) February 10, 2023
Clemson head coach Dabo Sweeney, who coached Caleb for two seasons, also put out a statement after learning the unfortunate news.
“We are deeply saddened to hear the news of Kaleb’s passing. This is a very tragic and sad situation,” Sweeney said. “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.”
Several others have paid tribute to Boateng on social media, including safeties Dakota Mitchell and Donovan McMillon, and recruiting staffers Katie Turner and Bri Wade.
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