Q&A: 2020 LB Derek Wingo opens up about PSU commitment

Snyder: To start, what are two or three of the main reasons you committed to Penn State? What really stood out to you about the entire program and university?

Wingo: Well, one of the first things is that they’re on the rise right now. Coach Franklin has really built something great there. He’s a great coach and their entire coaching staff is amazing. Everything about them and just the way they go about building relationships makes you feel comfortable. I also got to know some of the [2019 commits] when I was up there for the Ohio State game. Everyone was really cool and fun to talk with. So, there’s just a bunch of things that fit my style. I also have to mention the atmosphere for the whiteout. That was incredible. It was unlike anything I’ve experienced at any other school. That’s something that I’ll never forget. But there are so many things. My mom is actually from Pennsylvania. She’s from Philly, so it’s not far from there. She likes that. But also, I think one of the biggest things, to me, was when me and my dad got the chance to sit-down with Coach Franklin in his office. I’ll never forget that talk because it wasn’t really about football. We talked about it a little bit, but it was mainly about life after college and life on campus as a student. It was just all about everything else that’s so important in this decision. I’ll just never forget that. It really showed me what he’s all about.

Snyder: Your announcement was supposed to be a surprise for your dad on Christmas, right? Take me through the past few weeks here. What were you thinking? When did you know you wanted to do this? What’s the background story here?

Wingo: So, this was my idea. My mom and I were talking about this a lot and I actually ended up committing to Penn State about a week before. Honestly, committing to Penn State was something we talked about as soon as I got home from that [September] visit. I loved everything about it. But anyway, my mom knew about it, so we came up with the idea of surprising my dad. We ended up buying some hats and shirts for my dad and I brought all of this to him after we finished our other gifts on Christmas. He was definitely confused at first, but then I showed him [my phone and let him read everything and that’s when he understood what was going on. He was more confused than anything, but I know he’s all for it. He loved it up there and really likes their coaches.

Snyder: I know you’ve been in contact with Ja'Juan Seider for a long time now and I know that’s a strong relationship. In addition to him, how comfortable have you become with Brent Pry? How often were you talking to him?

Wingo: Coach Seider was the person I got to know and interact with most. He’s the one that I talked with on a daily basis early in my recruitment. But once I got to Penn State then and was able to meet Coach Pry and sit-down with him and just talk to him more, we started to stay in touch more and more. Since then, we’ve been keeping each other updated as much as possible. I still probably talked to Coach Seider the most, but I was in contact with Coach Pry a good amount. I love both of those guys. They’re both great guys and great coaches. They both played a big part in my recruitment.

Snyder: When I spoke with your dad after the Ohio State game, he mentioned that you got to know some of the players that have already committed. You also mentioned that. Have you been regularly speaking with any of the 2019 guys in recent months?

Wingo: A lot of the 2019 commits were at the Ohio State game, so I got to know a bunch of those guys when I was first up there. They were all wishing me the best and also mentioning how I got to join the family, stuff like that. But John Dunmore is who I’m the closest with. We played together on South Florida Express [7-on-7]. He also doesn’t live too far from me, so I know John well. Honestly, I didn’t really talk to many of the 2019 guys leading up to my commitment, but since then, a lot of them have been in touch and congratulated me. I really like it. The 2019 class has been very welcoming. I appreciate those guys reaching out.

Snyder: As you mentioned, your mom is originally from Pennsylvania, but I don’t believe she’s actually visited Penn State yet. I also know she was all for you making this move. Usually, moms want to see the school before letting their son commit. What was your mom’s involvement in all of this? It just seems different than most mothers.

Wingo: Even though she didn’t get to visit with us that day, we had her on FaceTime for some of the more important things during that visit. So, she did get to see and hear from the coaches. She just wasn’t able to come up because she had to work. But she did get to speak with Coach Franklin that day. Honestly, since then, she’s been in touch with the coaches much more than even I realized. She’s been building a relationship with them on the side and always felt comfortable with them, just like I did, just like my dad did. So, even though she didn’t see the place in-person before I committed, she knows what their coaches are all about.

Snyder: A lot of people thought that Ohio State was PSU’s top competitor. Is that legit? Also, what other schools were you high on? Where all did you visit?

Wingo: Yeah, I had a few schools that were standing out to me. Ohio State was obviously one of them, but I also really like Oklahoma, Florida, Michigan and Clemson. I would say that those were the schools that stood out to me the most. I got to visit Penn State, Ohio State, Florida and Miami. I also saw Tennessee and a few others early in my high school career. I know I’m missing a couple. All of those visits were great, but there was just something about Penn State that I loved. I remember being downtown during [Ohio State weekend] and seeing how passionate all of their fans are. That’s something I’ll never forget. Their fans are some of the best in the country and I like the town. It’s just a good fit for me.

Snyder: How important were academics in this decision? Any idea what you want to major in?

Wingo: That was one of the big questions when we got to meet with Coach Franklin. He actually brought it up first because he knows that’s what people look for, especially coming to a university like that, which offers great athletics and academics. I remember him explaining their study halls and grade checks and how we always have people to help us manage our academics with such a busy schedule. I think that impressed my parents. Their coaches are always on us when it comes to grades and being on time for class and making sure you turn your assignments in on time. He’s strict about that. If you ever get the chance to meet him in-person, you can tell that’s something he’s genuine about. As far as what I want to major in, I think I’m going to end up doing something in business. I have some time still to figure that all out, but that’s what I’m thinking about.

Snyder: Any idea how many times you can bench 185 or 225? Same with squat or powerclean? What about your best 40 time? Fans always like to know those numbers

Wingo: Honestly, I haven’t been able to max out or anything like that lately because I had a shoulder injury. Last summer, I remember I maxed on bench at 300, but it’s been awhile since I’ve done any of that stuff. I actually dislocated my shoulder a few times this season. I do remember my best 40 time. That was a 4.7.

Snyder: I didn’t know about your shoulder. Are you having surgery this offseason?

Wingo: I don’t believe I have to. I was lucky. From what I was told, it ended up just bruising me up a bit. I didn’t tear my labrum or anything like that, so I should be good to go.

Snyder: Last question: I like to give you guys a chance to say anything to Penn State fans. It can be about whatever you want. What comes to mind?

Wingo: I would just say that it feels like Penn State has always been so close. It feels like they always have a two-point loss from beating Ohio State or a couple spots off from being in the playoff. In recent years, they’ve been good, but just not quite where they want to be. That’s why I think that, with this 2019 class and the class we’re going to put together in 2020, we’re going to be the group that’s going to get Penn State there. We’re going to be the top dogs by the time my teammates and I leave that place. We’re going to beat Ohio State, we’re going to beat Michigan, we’re going to win that Big Ten Championship and make the playoff. That’s our goal and we’re going to make sure we take that next step.