Boateng Ready to Journey West

It’s been a long, circuitous route for Brooklyn, NY wide receiver Nyan Boateng –a road that has led him from Brooklyn to San Antonio, Gainesville, Florida and, finally, to Berkeley, where the road has taken a new turn for the talented receiver.

The 6-2/205 Boateng was considered one of the most talented athletes in the country in 2005, where he starred for Brooklyn’s Lincoln High School –both on the gridiron and the hardcourt through 2004.

Boateng was rated a 5 star receiver by Scout going into his senior year but was forced to miss both his football and basketball seasons while recuperating from an ankle injury. Boateng was still considered impressive enough to be named to the U.S. Army All-American Bowl in 2005, joining future Bear DeSean Jackson.

Boateng’s fully recovered from his injury now and will be working hard to make an impact on the field when he’s able to make his long-awaited return in 2008.

“I’m healthy now,” said Boateng. “I just got the pins taken out and I’m feeling great and ready to go.”

Jackson had an obvious influence on a large number of participants during the game as other all-stars marveled at Jackson’s unique blend of speed, skill and confidence, where he excelled all week in practice and in skills competition. As it stands with Boateng, their relationship ending up bearing fruit two years later at Boateng relied on his friend Jackson to help him reach his decision to transfer.

“I relied on DeSean to give me the inside story about Cal,” said Boateng. “You know how it is. Sometimes it’s just a little better to get a look on the inside and DeSean was real straight with me.

“I didn’t know a lot about Cal not too long ago,” continued Boateng. I watched a couple games and I really like Coach Tedford’s vertical game. That fits my style well. I’m a vertical receiver. I’ll stretch the field and make plays.

“My game’s kind of similar to DeSean’s but I’ve got a different style. I’m an explosive player and I hope to be able to make a lot of plays at Cal.” Besides receiver, Boateng excels on special teams and hopes to be able to return both punts and kickoffs for the Bears.

“I do both,” said Boateng. “I just like to have a chance to make some plays out there.”

Boateng announced his decision to attend Florida during the U.S.Army game, fully intending to play both football and basketball for the Gators. However, things changed once at Florida and Boateng was forced to forego basketball in Gainesville.

Boateng hopes to play basketball at Cal when eligible. With the success of All-Pro tight end Tony Gonzalez setting the standard for dual sport athletic success at Cal, Boateng and his 42 inch vertical would be a welcome addition on the hardcourt to Cal fans.

With the spring semester right around the corner, Boateng will jump right in as a student at Cal this month.

“I’m enrolled and ready to go,” said Boateng, who will have two years to use his two years of eligibility beginning in 2008.

With an array of Bear receivers graduating after the 2007 season, Boateng’s arrival on the field will be just what the doctor ordered for the Bears.

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