A coaching staff connection helped LSU football land transfer defensive lineman
By Zach Ragan
LSU football has made several key additions to their roster via the NCAA transfer portal in recent weeks.
One of those additions is Mekhi Wingo, who is transferring to LSU from Missouri.
Wingo is a former three-star recruit who signed with Missouri during the 2021 recruiting cycle. He was rated in 247Sports’ composite rankings as the No. 8 player in Missouri.
The St. Louis native totaled 27 tackles (including two tackles for loss), two sacks, and an interception as a true freshman this past season.
A coaching connection on LSU football’s staff helped land Mekhi Wingo
When Wingo hit the transfer portal, LSU quickly offered.
One of the reasons LSU offered so quickly was likely because one of Brian Kelly’s assistants was already very familiar with Wingo.
Cornerbacks coach Robert Steeples was Wingo’s head coach for four years at De Smet High School.
(Steeples coached at De Smet from 2016 to 2020, before joining the Minnesota Vikings staff as an assistant special teams coach in 2021.)
Wingo had some extremely high praise for Steeples in a recent interview with 247Sports.
Here’s what Wingo had to say about his former head coach:
"He was my head coach all four years in high school, and one thing I can say is that he’s truly a high-character guy. He will demand greatness from everyone. He is a guy who just gets through to his players. You will understand exactly what’s needed when he’s your coach."
Steeples opened Wingo’s eyes to LSU. But he isn’t the only reason the former Missouri defensive lineman is coming to Baton Rouge.
Wingo also quickly built a strong relationship with new defensive line coach Jamar Cain.
“I went on my LSU visit and spent most of the time with him,” said Wing of Cain to 247Sports.
“We definitely clicked immediately. I’m excited to play for him,” added Wingo.
Next. LSU wants Arch Manning in Baton Rouge. dark
LSU has added 11 players to its roster so far via the NCAA transfer portal.
Brian Kelly isn’t playing around when it comes to putting this program in a position to win big in 2022.