Boateng has setback, new leader

Brooklyn (N.Y.) Lincoln wideout Nyan Boateng, ranked as the No. 86 player in the nation by Rivals.com, has had an injury setback and has named a new leader.

"I broke my ankle on the first day of camp for us," said the 6-foot-2, 186-pounder. "It's my right ankle and I just had surgery last Monday on it to put pins in. I went up for a catch and our safety grabbed my ankle and I came down on it wrong. I was in a pretty good amount of pain last week but it feels better already this week."

Boateng expects to be back in time for the playoffs.

"Our team is going to be really good this year, so we'll be playing deep into the playoffs," he said. "I'll be out 6-8 weeks so I'll be back for late November and early December to play both football and basketball. I'm focusing on getting back for football though."

Boateng's phone rang steadily on and after Sept. 1, the first day college coaches could contact him since May.

"Iowa called at 12:01 AM which was kind of crazy," he said. "They said they wanted to be the first to call, but that was a bit much. USC, Miami, Penn State, Maryland, Ohio State, Pitt and a ton of others all called that day."

Having been a Maryland lean for the last few months, things have changed a bit for the standout wide receiver.

"Penn State is my favorite now," he said. "I like the coaches and the wideout situation there. I still like Maryland, but PSU is ahead of everyone by a little bit right now."

Boateng also lists the Terps, Iowa, Nebraska, Michigan State, Pitt and Southern Cal amongst his leaders.

"I have an official visit set with Nebraska for Oct. 15," he said. "I think that's the date anyhow. I will also visit Penn State, Iowa and Michigan State. My last visit will be to either Southern Cal or Pitt. I don't need to take an official to Maryland because I've already been there a few times, but they're still very much in it."

Boateng said he will be watching carefully this season to see what teams throw the ball a lot and who needs wideouts.

"That's important to me," he said. "I want to go to an offense that spreads it around."

He is expecting to be healthy for the US Army All-American Bowl in January as well.

"I won't miss that game," he said. "That's where I can show everyone what I can do."