Derek Wingo named the GatorMade Wuerffel Man of the Month
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Florida linebacker Derek Wingo has been named as the GatorMade Danny Wuerffel Man of the Month for January 2023.
Wingo was recognized Tuesday in a video feature from Florida Football’s social media accounts.
“Being the Man of the Month at the University of Florida is obviously a great blessing and a big achievement,” Wingo said the video below. “Obviously, the guys who have come before to win that award have always been recognized at the highest standard and people who can represent the University of Florida academically and athletically.”
The honor is given monthly to “a football scholar-athlete that exemplifies the Gator Standard, demonstrating holistic excellence in leadership, character, service, and academics.” The distinction is not an on-field achievement, but rather one about the character of the player.
“When you think about Danny Wuerffel, you think about a servant leader, kind of a selfless guy. I really think that Derek’s that way,” said Wingo’s position coach, Jay Bateman. “Anything we ask him to do, he’s going to do if it helps the team. I think he’s a great leader. He’s selfless and I think he’s a great teammate.”
Wingo saw action in 12 games last year with back-to-back starts to end the season, totaling 24 tackles with 2.0 TFLs, sacks and quarterback hurries. He recorded a career-high eight tackles with a solo sack (loss of 12 yards) in the Las Vegas Bowl.
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