Behind the U, the official podcast of Miami Athletics, features entertaining and engaging interviews with Hurricanes past and present, giving listeners exclusive insight into what makes The U one of the most storied and fascinating programs in college athletics. The University of Miami Department of Continuing & International Education is the presenting sponsor of Behind the U.
Josh Darrow checks in with Associate AD for Academic Services Jessica Lopez, who talks about overseeing the football team’s academic pursuits, her relationship with Mario Cristobal, how her staff works with student-athletes on a daily basis, how her science background has helped her navigate her role in athletics, and how the football team achieved a perfect NCAA APR score this past year.
Josh Darrow catches up with return guest and newly crowned national champion Alexa Noel, who talks about winning the NCAA women’s singles title, what it took to win six matches in six days, what she did to celebrate, why she chose to play at Miami, her connection to Caitlin Clark, and how much she’s looking forward to playing in the U.S. Open later this summer.
Josh Darrow chats with UM’s Executive Associate Athletic Director of Student-Athlete Development Shirelle Jackson, who talks about the department’s community service efforts, how her office assists with life skills and career development, some of her favorite student-athlete success stories, and how her own experience as a track and field student-athlete help her navigate her current role.
Josh Darrow talks with new Miami graduate – and former Sebastian the Ibis – Alex Westover, who details his big bird reveal at graduation, his commencement speech, his favorite mascot appearances, his favorite celebrity encounters, what The U means to him and what’s next for him, including training for triathlons.
Josh Darrow checks in with new Canes women’s basketball head coach Tricia Cullop, who talks about growing up in basketball-crazy Indiana, how she broke into the coaching ranks, what she learned as a young head coach, how she markets her programs, what fuels her team’s style of play, what intrigued her about the Miami job, and her excitement about the continued growth of the sport.
Josh Darrow catches up with Canes men’s basketball standout Nijel Pack, who talks about his journey to Miami, how his father has influenced his basketball career, what he learned going through the NBA pre-draft process, how he expanded his shooting range, Coach L’s history with guard production, and his memories of the 2023 Final Four run.
Josh Darrow chats with Canes volleyball standout Grace Lopez, who talks about growing up in Puerto Rico, what drew her to volleyball, why she decided to come to Miami, how she bounced back from knee surgery, and what contributed to her breakthrough All-ACC freshman campaign.
Josh Darrow checks in with two members of the University of Miami’s club hockey team, which recently captured the AAU Division III national championship. Center Mathieu Schneider talks about growing up as the son of an NHL star, why he chose to attend UM, and the road to the title; and coach Tom Immello, a retired New York City firefighter, talks about taking the reins of the program and the joy coaching the team has brought him.
Josh Darrow catches up with Canes golfer Sara Byrne, who talks about growing up in Ireland, what factored into her decision to attend Miami, her record-setting round at the Hurricane Invitational, her goals as she eyes a professional golf career, her newfound love of baseball, and where to find the best potato waffles.
Legendary Canes running back Duke Johnson makes a return visit to the podcast where he and Josh Darrow chat about his NFL career, the intricacies of the running back position, his favorite coaches, his recent return to UM and how he’s looking to positively impact the next generation.
Josh Darrow checks in with Canes baseball freshman sensation Daniel Cuvet, who talks about how he gravitated to baseball as a youngster, why he chose to stay close to home to attend Miami, what has contributed to his sizzling start to the plate, his reaction to the “Danny Dingers” moniker, and his goals for both himself and the Canes this season.
Josh Darrow catches up with newly crowned NCAA indoor triple jump champion Russell Robinson, who talks about coming to Miami as a walk-on, what he has learned from head coach Amy Deem and jumps coach Rob Jarvis, how he turned in the performance of his career at NCAAs in Boston and what’s next as the Canes begin their outdoor campaign.
Josh Darrow chats with the host of On3’s “The Hard Count” J.D. PicKell, who talks about the state of college football, what excites him about spring ball, what he anticipates from the Canes this upcoming season, his days as an Ivy League running back and how he broke into the college football media business.
Josh Darrow visits with Canes head baseball coach J.D. Arteaga, who talks about growing up a Canes fan in Westchester, playing with Alex Rodriguez all the way through high school, why he chose to play at Miami, how he became one of UM’s legendary pitchers, his transition from player to coach, how he’s approaching his first season as skipper and the people who have inspired him on the road to securing his dream job in Coral Gables.
Josh Darrow catches up with former Canes and current NFL punter Pat O’Donnell, who talks about growing up a Canes fans in South Florida, playing with the Kelce brothers at Cincinnati, why he transferred to Miami, how his one season at UM helped prepare him for the league, the intricacies of punting at the highest level, and how he enjoys promoting his Dad SZN venture.
For our 150th episode, Josh Darrow catches up with Houston Texans tight end and former Canes standout Brevin Jordan, who talks about why he chose to attend Miami, how he teamed up with Will Mallory to form a dynamic pass-catching duo, how the Texans earned a division title this past season, what he would tell young college players today and the impact his mother has had on his life both on and off the field.
Josh Darrow checks in with Canes defensive lineman Branson Deen, who talks about transferring to Miami from Purdue, what he learned matching up with the likes of Michigan and Ohio State, his “knowledge wars” with Matt Lee, the future of the Canes in the trenches, how he’s preparing for the NFL Draft and why he decided to pursue a degree in industrial engineering technology.
Josh Darrow catches up with Canes tight end Cam McCormick, who talks about his incredible journey to his final season of eligibility, including his injury history, his perseverance in the face of adversity, how his mother has helped along the way, why he followed Mario Cristobal from Oregon to Miami, and what he’s looking forward to as he suits up for the Canes again this season.
Josh Darrow checks in with Canes offensive lineman Javion Cohen, who talks about growing up in Alabama, committing to the Crimson Tide and winning a national title, why he chose to transfer to Miami, what he learned from Mario Cristobal and Alex Mirabal, how he is preparing for the NFL Draft and what he expects from the Canes in 2024.
Josh Darrow catches up with Canes cornerback Jaden Davis, who talks about growing up in Broward County, why he committed to Oklahoma out of high school, why he decided to transfer to Miami for his graduate season, what he learned from Lance Guidry, what excites him about the future of the Canes and how he’s preparing for the NFL Draft.
Josh Darrow visits with new Canes head soccer coach Ken Masuhr, who talks about his coaching journey, what he learned from successful stops at Penn and Vanderbilt, how he has developed his coaching and recruiting philosophies, what intrigued him about the Miami job, his first meeting with his new team and how he plans to build the program going forward.
Josh Darrow checks in with Chief of UHealth Sports Medicine Dr. Lee Kaplan, who talks about the comprehensive care his team provides Miami student-athletes, how he interacts with student-athletes and their parents, how his team approaches injury rehabilitation with their Back to Play methodology, and how the athletic department works in concert with the Lennar Foundation Medical Center.
Josh Darrow catches up with ACC Defensive Rookie of the Year Rueben Bain, who talks about his outstanding freshman campaign, how he found out about his ACC honor, what he’s learned from the Miami coaching staff, some of his biggest high school highlights, his go-to order at Sonic and his growing interest in photography.
Josh Darrow checks in with ESPN broadcaster Molly McGrath, who talks about how she prepares for her role as a college football sideline reporter, how she adapts and reacts during the games, some of her most memorable moments on air and what she foresees for the Canes after working three Miami games this past season.
Josh Darrow catches up with Canes punter Dylan Joyce, who talks about growing up playing Aussie Rules football, how he gravitated towards the American version, the path that ultimately led him to Miami, his relationship with fellow punting mate Lou Hedley, what food he misses from Down Under and how he’s enjoying his first season as a Cane.
In honor of the Canes retiring Gino Torretta’s No. 13 jersey this Saturday at Hard Rock Stadium, we re-air Josh Darrow’s 2021 conversation with the 1992 Heisman Trophy winner, who reflects on his recruitment to Miami from northern California, taking over the starting quarterback role, the 1991 national title, his memories of Hurricane Andrew and his award-winning senior campaign.
Josh Darrow catches up with Canes kicker and Groza Award Semifinalist Andy Borregales, who talks about shifting from soccer to football, following in his All-America brother’s footsteps at Miami, some of his most memorable kicks as a Cane, his pregame and in-game routines and what he still hopes to accomplish wearing the orange and green.
Josh Darrow checks in with former Canes and current NFL kicker Michael Badgley, who talks about playing numerous football positions in high school, what eventually pushed him towards kicking, why he chose to come to Miami, how it felt to become UM’s all-time scoring leader, how he broke into the NFL and the whirlwind life of a pro kicker.
Josh Darrow checks in with Canes offensive lineman Jalen Rivers, who talks about growing up in a military family, why he gravitated towards football, what made Miami his first choice for college, how he approaches his craft on and off the field, his relationship with offensive line coach Alex Mirabal and his longtime friendship with Canes defensive lineman Chantz Williams.
Josh Darrow sits down with former Canes All-America tight end Jeremy Shockey, who talks about how he matriculated to Miami from junior college in Oklahoma, what made those 2000 and 2001 UM teams so dominant, his famous touchdown catch against FSU at the Orange Bowl, the Rose Bowl win over Nebraska, his two Super Bowl triumphs, and how Tight End U has made its mark in the NFL.
