Florida ‘really stands out’ to priority Gators LB target Nathaniel Owusu-Boateng
When dissecting the Gators’ 2025 linebacker board, there are not many, if any, who are higher on the wish list than IMG Academy’s Nathaniel Owusu-Boateng.
The Virginia native has visited Florida multiple times this year, with the most recent meeting having taken place on June 22. Also, once Aug. 1 kicked into gear, the SEC school wasted no time reaching out shortly after midnight. Colleges are now permitted to initiate contact with those representing the 2025 class.
According to the On3 Industry Ranking, a weighted average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies, Owusu-Boateng is the No. 3-ranked linebacker and No. 27-ranked prospect nationally.
“Right now, me and Florida have a great bond,” Owusu-Boateng told Gators Online. “Just me talking to (quality control – defensive line) coach (Cannon) Gibbs and (inside linebackers) coach (Jay) Bateman, those relationships and that strong foundation we built (stands out).
“Now since Aug. 1, I can finally talk and text them now, so it’s great.”
Owusu-Boateng eyeing early-season return to Gainesville
There was no beating around the bush when the Gators made contact earlier this week. They are excited to track Owusu-Boateng’s success throughout the fall and eventually welcome him back to the Swamp.
“Really, it was more like, ‘Good luck with camp’; ‘good luck with the first game coming soon and stay healthy.’ Also, hopefully that I can come out to a game this year and just come back to Gainesville,” he said of the Gators’ recent message.
Although Owusu-Boateng now resides in Bradenton, IMG Academy’s schedule can be difficult to work around. That is largely due to their national lineup with several out-of-state games on the calendar.
The All-American defender still has time but will have some decisions to make in terms of which school(s) he will eventually visit.
“I know we have a BYE week in September, so September could be a time when I go back,” said Owusu-Boateng.
SUBSCRIBE TO OUR NEWSLETTER AND GET BREAKING NEWS SENT FOR FREE!
The red-carpet treatment has been on full display
According to the On3 Recruiting Prediction Machine, the Gators are trending with odds of 31.6 percent. Miami is not far behind though with a percentage of 27.7. Both Sunshine State programs have also received multiple visits this year, so Owusu-Boateng’s decision to attend IMG is already paying off.
“What I like about Florida…it’s about the family aspect of it,” said Owusu-Boateng. “When I first went into the building, there was so much love from the staff members, trainers, and then from the coaches as well. It’s the love that Florida shows me.
“Even if it’s just me going through a day, they are still reaching out to me knowing I’m a big part of their 2025 class.”
There is no doubt the Orange and Blue will have plenty of competition though.
Nearly two-dozen programs have already offered Owusu-Boateng, with the likes of Ohio State, USC, LSU, Notre Dame, Michigan, Florida State and Miami also highlighting his offer sheet.
“Right now, I’m just kind of viewing everyone as the same right now until I really go out and visit schools,” said Owusu-Boateng. “But Florida is one of the schools that really stands out to me right now though.”
Stay tuned to Gators Online.
The post Florida ‘really stands out’ to priority Gators LB target Nathaniel Owusu-Boateng appeared first on On3.
