Former Clemson Florida offensive lineman Caleb Boateng dies at 21

WEST PALM BEACH, Florida — A former offensive lineman in Clemson and Florida has died, schools acknowledged in statements released Friday.

Caleb Boateng transferred to Florida in 2021 after playing little at Clemson for two seasons. He joined the Gators as an occasional player and did not appear in the game.

Details about the death of the 21-year-old native of Fort Lauderdale are unknown.

The Gators said on social media that they are “extremely saddened by the news of former football team member Caleb Boateng.”

Florida head coach Billy Napier also acknowledged Boateng’s death.

“It’s hard to find words at a moment like this,” Napier tweeted. “This is the kind of phone call you would never want to receive as a parent or as a coach, especially about a former player. Although our time was short together, Caleb was an Alligator. He was a beloved friend, son and teammate.”

Dabo Sweeney, Boateng’s former coach at Clemson, also issued a statement via the team’s official Twitter account.

“We remember Caleb as a good teammate and always kept a good mood,” said Sweeney.

Boateng did not appear for the Gators last season. The 6-foot-4, 285-pound linesman’s social media profile had been dormant for months before his death.