Former CFL defensive lineman Kwaku Boateng was named a defensive line coach for Wilfrid Laurier University on Wednesday. Boateng retired from the CFL on July 21st and will be reunited with his teammate Trevaughan James in working with the defensive line.
“We are extremely excited to add Kwaku to our coaching staff,” said Laurier’s manager of football operations and head coach Michael Faulds.
“Kwaku had one of the most impressive U SPORTS and CFL careers. When he recently retired, I quickly congratulated him and asked to meet. His addition will help our whole team greatly and our defensive line, in particular.”
The 28-year-old from Ghana signed a one-year contract with the Ticats on February 15th. He was a healthy scratch for the Ticats in a season-opening loss to Winnipeg before he was released on June 13, 2023.
Before Hamilton, Boateng signed with the Ottawa Redblacks in 2022 but he suffered a torn ACL injury and missed the season. In 2021, He played for the Edmonton Elks with 15 tackles, four sacks, and one forced fumble in 12 games.
The Elks drafted Boateng in the fifth round (41st pick) in the 2017 CFL Draft. Boateng played four seasons in Edmonton with 83 tackles, 25 sacks, and two forced fumbles in 64 games.
“I feel blessed and honored to be back at Laurier. I still vividly remember my first day on campus back in 2013. There’s certainly something magical about this community,” said Boateng. “Working with impactful leaders, like Coach Faulds and Coach V, will definitely sharpen my leadership skills.”
Collegiately, Boateng played four seasons at Wilfrid Laurier (2013-16) with 105 tackles (87 solo, 39 assists), 45.5 tackles for loss, 29.5 sacks, eight pass breakups, seven forced fumbles, and four fumble recoveries in 40 games for the Golden Hawks.
Boateng remains the all-time sack leader in Golden Hawks history. In addition, Boateng was a two-time U Sports All-Canadian, helped the Golden Hawks win the 2016 Yates Cup, and was inducted into the Golden Hawks Hall of Fame in 2021.
