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LSU Football: Mekhi Wingo Awarded No. 18 Jersey

Originally posted on FanNation LSU Country | By Zack Nagy | Last updated 8/26/23

LSU defensive lineman Mekhi Wingo will wear the prestigious No. 18 jersey this season for the Tigers in Baton Rouge.

A player who is deserving both on and off the field, it’s an honor that Brian Kelly doesn’t take lightly when distributing. He’s done his research and understands the significance of the honor.

“The No. 18 is the player who brings all those traits of someone who leads in an extraordinary manner,” Kelly said last offseason. “The attention to detail, great focus, represents the program in a positive way in the classroom, in the community and on the field."

Wingo is the epitome of an LSU Tiger and his dedication to the program has shined bright during his time in Baton Rouge. A locker room favorite, he’s become a leader the Tigers fall back on when in a time of need.

A selfless, passionate player, Wingo checks all of the boxes as a guy who is deserving of wearing the coveted jersey number in 2023.

Wingo has voiced his appreciation for the LSU program and what it means to him after transferring to LSU from Missouri last offseason with the chance at a new opportunity.

“I was just looking for a spot where everyone is held accountable,” Wingo said. “LSU, when I hit the portal and they offered me, it just felt like the right decision. Coach Kelly and everything he’s done for the programs he’s been to and the tradition here. I felt like if I could add my talent to a group of guys like this we’d be unstoppable.”

“If you feel you are who you are then you can go anywhere in the country and be you. So it really wasn’t ‘oh they have these guys.’ No, I wanna go play with these guys and try to win a national championship.”

Now, Wingo has seen his efforts come full circle. The leader in LSU's locker room, he's set to wear the coveted jersey No. 18 this season.

This article first appeared on FanNation LSU Country and was syndicated with permission.

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