In the Huddle: Offensive lineman DJ Wingfield

A conversation with California native DJ Wingfield, who came to Purdue after two seasons at New Mexico.

We often hear offensive linemen travel in packs because they’re trying to create cohesion and chemistry. What did the offensive line do in the offseason to put that in emotion?

Going out as a group with coach (Marcus) Johnson and coach Angel (Matute) and the whole offensive line group. I can say as a group without the coaches, just hanging out. I’ll hang out with Gus (Hartwig), (Mahamane Moussa) and Cory (Stewart) and some other younger guys. We just all connected in a way where it came natural.

What did you guys do?

Eat. I’ll be on the Playstation with Moussa, and E Trent (Ethan Trent), and I’ll fish with the guys sometimes. BBQ and watch some football games.

Who’s the Pit Master?

I don’t know. I’ve only seen Jimmy (Liston) make steak.

What’s the best meal you had in the offseason?

It’s a Korean BBQ place called Gaza. Coach Johnson took us to a steak place (McGraws) by the river. It was excellent.

Have you always been an offensive lineman?

When I was younger, I was a tight end. Always an offensive/defensive lineman.

How many passes did you catch as a tight end?

I can’t tell you, but I scored.

What made you switch to the offensive line?

Getting big and eating good. I just fell in love with it.

First football memory?

Scoring as a tight end. My first touchdown.

How old were you?

Probably 11.

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You’re a tight end at age 11. At what age did you become an offensive lineman?

When I got to high school, that’s when football gets real as far as getting a permanent position. In Pop Warner, you can be just about anything. When you get to high school, that’s when it gets serious.

If you didn’t play football or play sports, what’s your life?

I don’t know. I like traveling. I wanted to drive trucks when I was younger because my dad (Deantwone Wingfield) drove trucks.

What type of trucks?

Semi trucks. My dad used to do that. He went across the country. He used to work at an oil refinery, and he used to do some insurance. He liked traveling across the country in a semi.

Did you ever go with him?

I didn’t. I wanted to, but I had school.

What are your other interests outside of football?

I like hiking a little bit. I like seeing nature. I like video games and a little bit of shopping.

Any superstitions?

Don’t have any.

What’s the one thing you must do on game day?

Just stretch and listen to music.

If you could trade places with one teammate?

Probably Huddy (Hudson Card). In the game, just seeing everything. You’re in the back visualizing everything. It’s probably a cool job being a quarterback.

What’s the most difficult or hardest thing you’ve had to overcome?

Probably my dad passing away when I was in high school and my injury. I had good people in my corner to help me get through my injury.

What was the impact of your dad’s passing?

He’s the one that introduced me to football when I was young. He introduced me to every sport. He signed me up for baseball, basketball and football. I fell in love with sports. I wanted to play because of him.

Is there any chance in 10-15 years, you’re going to drive a truck to honor him?

I don’t know about that. You have to go through the CDL process. I do want to own my trucking business. He wanted to do that as well.

Are you better than Marcus (Mbow) at basketball?

Yes.

Three people you want to have dinner with?

Lebron James, Trent Williams and my dad. I will always remember him.

If you could speak to your dad, what would you tell him?

I don’t know. I know he’s happy for me. I would probably say, ‘Look where I’m at now.’ I’m doing it for the family and taking it as far as I can.

What’s your favorite meal cooked by your mom?

She can cook, and whatever she cooks, I’ll eat it. When I’m there, I ask for spaghetti – she makes these good tacos and fried chicken. She gets down with the sides. The macaroni and cheese is top tier.

In 20 years, you’ll be doing what?

I want to be an entrepreneur type, and I want to mentor kids. I like leading them on the right path and talking to them.

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