CHEEZ-IT CITRUS BOWL: LSU VS PURDUE

December 30, 2022

Mekhi Wingo

Camping World Stadium

LSU Tigers

Press Conference

MEKHI WINGO: It was just a great experience, getting a chance to come out here and hang out with some kids in the community, and just do different things like that. You never know what is going to make a kid's day and things like that, so I enjoyed that.

Q. All the defensive linemen that are playing in this game, how are you guys shaping up in terms of stopping the run?

MEKHI WINGO: We have great guys that can come in and fill those roles immediately, guys like Jacobian Guillory, Sai'vion Jones, Fitz. We just got guys that are going to come in and do their job and play hard. We are going to go out there, just pay attention to the fine details and give it all we got.

Q. The last two games didn't go your way; how much do you want to end on a positive note and get the tenth win?

MEKHI WINGO: It is very important to end on a positive note and have that feel-good feeling going into next season. It is very important to us.

Q. You mention a guy like Sai'vion, Quency guys who might get more playing time. What have you seen from them in Bowl prep?

MEKHI WINGO: They have been just giving it all they got and paying close attention to things, taking the coaching very well and going out there and practicing hard. Like I always say, when we practice well, it leads to good results on game days.

Q. What do you think about the guys joining the team in the transfer portal, four new defensive linemen. Do you think that will help for next year.

MEKHI WINGO: Definitely, those guys can come in and help immediately. Guys that have done great things at the schools they are coming from, so it will be fun having new guys in the room and being able to grow and connect with them and hopefully being able to be the dominant unit.

Q. You were a transfer last year yourself, it's kind of normal these days. But do you have any advice or something like that? What do you say to them as they come in and join this program?

MEKHI WINGO: I would say just don't come in worrying about who is first and second. We just have to all come in and work. We all need each other to get to where we eventually want to go. Just being able to work and grow together as a unit.

Q. Tell me about today. Did you make new friends with the kids?

MEKHI WINGO: Oh, definitely. I was too big to get on any of the rides. I was letting them go, do the little go-karts and stuff by themselves. It was fun walking around, meeting nice people, signing balls and just being able to make a kid's days.

Q. So you didn't ride any rides?

MEKHI WINGO: No, I didn't get on any rides.

Q. Why not?

MEKHI WINGO: I can't do it. Too big. I didn't want to do it.

Q. How does it feel to be an All-American at LSU when the guys said you were too little?

MEKHI WINGO: Man, I am trying to be like you, Tate, no more, no less.

Q. How many snaps are you planning on playing in the game?

MEKHI WINGO: Not sure, but hopefully not 70 or 80 like usual. We'll see (laughing).

Q. What's it like this year? We realize after the fact that you played more snaps than anybody in the country at defensive tackle. How did you maintain your body to be able to do that?

MEKHI WINGO: Honestly, just come in, getting extra treatment. I am not a guy to complain. So when I am up there, I always say, when I get down, you have to go. When you are on the field, you can't say, "I'm tired." You are expected to give it all you got.

It is what it is. Just like I said, the strength staff, strength and nutrition, they have done a great job all year just keeping us able to go. They have been great.

Q. So there's some funny pictures online of people's faces riding these. Did you see any scared faces?

MEKHI WINGO: No, I didn't see no scared faces. I heard Kimo screaming though. Sounded like he was going to pass out on one of the rides. That is about it.

Q. What's the No. 1 thing you picked up from Brian Kelly this season, your head coach?

MEKHI WINGO: No. 1 thing I picked up, I would say just attention to detail honestly, and just focusing on the small things, not just looking over the big picture. Just taking it day-by-day, just honestly repeating our process and trying to get better day-by-day.

Q. Is he different than you imagined?

MEKHI WINGO: No, I would say he is about what I imagine. A guy that's just very focused on the details and the small things, and making sure you pay attention to everything. That is him.

Q. You said you're not going to complain about playing and all that kind of thing, but bringing in the transfers, maybe the idea is to bring in more depth and have more of a rotation. What would that do if you could rotate a little more on the defensive front?

MEKHI WINGO: I absolutely think it would help the whole defense and definitely help the defensive line. Being able to coach on the sideline and take a break and knowing you have a guy coming in that is on the same level as you and capable of doing the same things you can. It will be great for the whole team.

Q. Leaving Missouri and coming here, been everything that you wanted it to be? Just your thoughts on your first year as a Tiger.

MEKHI WINGO: It has been amazing. It has been amazing. Just coming here, going to the SEC Championship in year one, it has been amazing. Obviously getting to reunite with my old high school coach and just being in the building with him every day, it has been everything I have imagined. It has been great.