Florida Gators News: Kaleb Boateng passes away, more
Sad news trickled out last night for the Florida Gators as it was reported that offensive lineman Kaleb Boateng passed away unexpectedly. Boateng originally was a member of the Clemson Tigers in 2019 and 2020 before transferring to Florida. He arrived in Gainesville in 2021 but never played in a game for the Florida Gators.
Details of Boateng’s death are still unclear.
Tributes for Boateng poured in all across social media, including from his old school Clemson and his former coach Dabo Swinney.
Our hearts are heavy upon receiving reports of the passing of former Clemson offensive lineman Kaleb Boateng.
— Clemson Football (@ClemsonFB) February 10, 2023
"We remember Kaleb as being a good teammate and always having a good spirit to him." - Dabo Swinneyhttps://t.co/TD6gLzYAKe pic.twitter.com/pxvZgeKqFy
As of the time of this writing, the Florida Gators have not released any official statement regarding his death.
***Update***
The Florida Gators and Coach Billy Napier both released statements later in the day in regards Boateng’s passing.
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.
— COACH BILLY NAPIER (@coach_bnapier) February 10, 2023
Our thoughts and prayers are with the Boateng family 🧡💙 pic.twitter.com/XIKfIJsB1x
— Florida Gators (@FloridaGators) February 10, 2023
Florida Gators softball starts season
Softball season kicks off tonight in Tampa as the Florida Gators will open their season against Boston University at the USF-Rawlings Invitational. Florida enters the season ranked 4th in the country and is the favorite to win the SEC title.
Elizabeth Hightower will lead Florida’s pitching staff this season while Skylar Wallace should spark the offense once again this season.
The Gators will also take on Illinois State and USF as part of the invitational this weekend.
Old Ball Coach gets honored
Former Florida Gators football coach Steve Spurrier will be getting a road named after him this afternoon.
SW 31st Place, which cuts through the Celebration Pointe shopping complex and runs along Spurrier’s restaurant Spurrier’s Gridiron Grille will be renamed “Steve Spurrier Way” during a ceremony at the restaurant at 5:30 PM.
The event is open for the public to attend.
Odds and ends
Women’s basketball fell to Mississippi State last night 73 to 56. KK Deans led Florida with 17 points. The loss drops Florida to 14-10 overall and 3-8 in SEC play.
Gymnastics will be at home to take on 15th-ranked Missouri tonight. Meet starts at 6:45 PM.
Track and field will spend the weekend in Arkansas at the Tyson Invitational.