Behind The U

Josh Darrow welcomes back 247 Sports’ Josh Pate, who talks about Miami’s impressive start to the season, the Canes' big win in Tallahassee, Carson Beck and Rueben Bain’s chances for postseason hardware, and how the national college football landscape is shaping up through mid-October.

Josh Darrow digs deep into college football numbers with Max Chadwick and Dalton Wasserman of Pro Football Focus, who talk about PFF College’s grading process, Miami’s strong start to the season in the trenches, why Rueben Bain has been so dominant, how the Canes have graded out thus far and how they think Miami will fare the rest of the season.

Josh Darrow catches up with Canes special teams coordinator Danny Kalter, who talks about growing up a Miami fan, how he got into football as a UM student, how he gravitated towards special teams units, what goes into coaching each of the kick and coverage units, which metrics matter most on special teams, and what excites him about this season’s Canes.

For Behind the U’s 200th episode, Josh Darrow visits with NBC Nightly News anchor Tom Llamas, who talks about growing up a Canes fan in Miami, how he broke into the television business, his path to the network anchor chair, his favorite Canes football and baseball memories, and what he’s most looking forward to this season.

As Miami prepares to open the 2025 season against Notre Dame, Josh Darrow catches up with two players who remember the last time the Canes hosted the Irish at Hard Rock Stadium. Linebacker Michael Pinckney and safety Sheldrick Redwine share their memories of that 41-8 win in 2017, including practice week, the pregame hype, the defensive performance, and the electric stadium atmosphere.

Josh Darrow checks in with Canes defensive coordinator Corey Hetherman, who talks about growing up in Massachusetts, playing football overseas, transitioning to coaching, why he switched to the defensive side of the ball, his defensive philosophy, why he chose to come to Miami, and what he’s looking for from the Canes’ defense this season.

Josh Darrow catches up with new Canes men’s basketball associate coach Erik Pastrana, who talks about his South Florida roots, why basketball became his first love, how he got into college coaching, how he bet on himself along the way, how the high school talent level keeps growing in the Sunshine State, and why he decided to come home and work for Jai Lucas.

Josh Darrow chats with new Canes men’s basketball assistant coach and player development director Andrew Moran, who talks about his coaching path, the success his teams had in the high school ranks, the growth of basketball in South Florida, the opportunity to join Jai Lucas’ staff, and his excitement for the future of Miami basketball.

Josh Darrow checks in with Canes running backs coach Matt Merritt, who talks about growing up in Germany and Belgium, how his father introduced him to football, how he rose through the coaching ranks, why he decided to come to Miami, the running back tradition at the U, and his coveted collection of German national soccer team jerseys.

Josh Darrow catches up with Canes tight ends coach Cody Woodiel, who talks about growing up in Mississippi, his playing days as both a tight end and offensive lineman, the phone call on the golf course that changed his coaching path, what he’s learned from Mario Cristobal as a coach and recruiter, and his thoughts on Miami’s current tight ends group.

Josh Darrow checks in with NCAA champion diver Chiara Pellacani, who talks about growing up in Italy, how she matriculated to Miami, working with UM coaches Randy Ableman and Dario di Fazio, her experience at the Tokyo and Paris Olympics, her goals on the collegiate and international stage, and what she likes on her pizza.

Josh Darrow catches up with former Canes and NFL offensive lineman Mark Cooper, who talks about transitioning from Lou Saban to Howard Schnellenberger, his switch from tight end to left tackle, protecting Jim Kelly, how the Canes started to build a powerhouse program, finding an NFL home in Denver, finding time to sneak back down to the Keys to fish, and getting inducted into the UM Sports Hall of Fame.

Josh Darrow sits down with new Canes men’s basketball head coach Jai Lucas, who talks about his basketball upbringing, what he learned from his NBA father, his interactions with Kobe Bryant and LeBron James as a youngster, how he got into coaching, what has shaped his philosophy along the way, and why he’s excited to take the reins in Coral Gables.

Josh Darrow checks in with Miami’s Director of Applied Metabolic Sciences Kyle Bellamy, who talks about the growth of the Canes’ sports science department, how his group assists the football team’s development and performance, how he transitioned from a baseball player to his current role and what he would include in his favorite smoothie.

Josh Darrow catches up with new Canes defensive tackles coach Damione Lewis, who talks about his coaching path, his coaching philosophy, what motivated him to return to him alma mater, his initial thoughts on defensive coordinator Corey Hetherman, his favorite moments playing at Miami, his pivot to radio after his NFL playing days and the time he and Ray Lewis wrestled in the locker room.

Josh Darrow checks in with former Canes golfer Cindy Kessler Miller, who talks about walking on at Miami in 1975, helping the Canes win back-to-back national titles, embarking on her pro career, how she found teaching as her calling, her turn on a reality TV show, her upcoming book, and getting inducted into both the LPGA Professionals Hall of Fame and the UM Sports Hall of Fame.

Josh Darrow talks all things Miami with legendary Canes fan Holmes Braddock, who like the University of Miami celebrates his 100th birthday this year. Holmes discusses how he arrived at UM after World War II, his time managing the student union and recruiting students, his memories of Mark Light Field and the Orange Bowl, his favorite Canes players and coaches, his role in desegregating Miami-Dade schools, and his lucky jacket that has witnessed all five of UM’s football national championships.

Josh Darrow catches up with Canes basketball great Darius Rice, who talks about why he chose Miami, some of his favorite moments as a Cane, his professional basketball journey that took him around the globe, his uncle Jerry Rice’s legendary workouts, and how he reacted when he found out he was selected to the UM Sports Hall of Fame’s Class of 2025.

Josh Darrow checks in with Justin Fitzpatrick and Bailey Marasch from the Canes football creative staff, who talk about what brought them to Miami, how they create content day to day, and how they tackled the Heisman Trophy campaign for quarterback Cam Ward from ideation to design to production to distribution and all assets and points in between.

Josh Darrow checks in with former Canes linebacker and current Cleveland Browns assistant general manger Glenn Cook, who talks about why he chose to play at Miami, how he pivoted to baseball after college, how he broke into football scouting, the intricacies of player evaluation, what makes a great NFL front office, and how he would write up reports on some of UM’s great players.

Josh Darrow catches up with former Canes and NFL running back James Jackson, who talks about what initially drew him to football, why he came to Miami, the incredible group of running backs he played with at UM, how the 2000 team set the table for the 2001 national title run, which of his teammates he still keeps in touch with and what he thinks of this year’s team.

Josh Darrow checks in with former Cane and current Seattle Seahawks safety Rayshawn Jenkins, who talks about growing up in a big family in St. Petersburg, why he decided to come to Miami, switching to the defensive side of the ball in college, navigating his NFL career, his future coaching aspirations, and his newly developed passion for real estate.

Josh Darrow catches up with ACC Network analyst Eric Mac Lain, who talks about how the Canes have looked so far this season, what excites him about quarterback Cam Ward, his take on the rest of Miami’s schedule and what he recalls about Clemson's program build during his playing days.

Josh Darrow checks in with former Canes and NFL wide receiver Lamar Thomas, who talks about why he chose to come to Miami, how desire and depth helped fuel those national championship runs, the brotherhood that the Canes culture has created through the years, what FSU Week means to him, and his excitement for how the current group of Canes are playing.

Josh Darrow catches up with former Canes and NFL running back Lamar Miller, who talks about growing up in Miami, the numbers he put up in high school, why he chose to come to UM, playing football and running track for the Canes, getting drafted by his hometown Dolphins, how he would run behind UM’s current offensive line, and the group of Canes he still works out with.

Josh Darrow checks in with Miami’s director of high school relations Roland Smith, who talks about playing on Canes title teams under Jimmy Johnson and Dennis Erickson, how he got into high school coaching, the dominant programs he built at Miami Central and Northwestern, how Mario Cristobal recruited him back to UM, and how his experience and ties to South Florida are helping recruit the next generation of Canes.

In the second of a two-part conversation, Josh Darrow talks to legendary Canes tight end Jimmy Graham about the immense challenges he faced growing up in North Carolina, his connection to his mentor Becky Vinson, how he got drafted into the NFL, learning from Jeremy Shockey and Drew Brees early in his career, his extensive charitable endeavors, and his decision to participate in the Artic Challenge.

In part one of a two-part conversation, Josh Darrow catches up with legendary tight end Jimmy Graham, who talks about why he chose to play basketball at Miami, how he transitioned to football, what he learned from other Canes NFL greats, how “Top Gun” launched his lifelong love of flying, and why he devotes so much of his time to helping military veterans.

Josh Darrow checks in with former Canes cornerback great and current director of player personnel Mike Rumph, who talks about how he conducts tours for recruits, his favorite spots on UM’s campus, how much the university has grown over the years, how he was recruited as a player, his days in the secondary with Ed Reed, and what fueled the Canes’ incredible three year run from 2000-02.

Josh Darrow catches up with Canes defensive line coach Jason Taylor, who talks about the path to his legendary football career, playing for renowned coaches such as Jimmy Johnson and Nick Saban, his induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame, how he transitioned into coaching, why he decided to work with Mario Cristobal at Miami, what excites him about this season, and the incredible work his foundation does in South Florida.

Josh Darrow catches up with former Canes defensive back Maurice Sikes, who talks about the historic Canes run from 2000-02, his talented teammates on both sides of the ball, the UM-Florida rivalry, growing up with recent Hall of Fame inductee Andre Johnson, his thoughts on the upcoming season, and how he transitioned to his current line of work as a Coral Gables police officer.

Josh Darrow chats with the host of 247 Sports’ The Late Kick with Josh Pate, who talks about the upcoming college football season, how he thinks the Canes will fare, the players on Miami’s roster that he’s expecting to shine, what he admires about Mario Cristobal, his thoughts on the 12-team playoff and the state of college football, and how he has been able to grow his show and his audience.

Josh Darrow talks to the University of Miami’s Acting President and Chief Executive Officer Joe Echevarria, who details his journey from the South Bronx to Coral Gables, how UM launched his career at Deloitte, where his longtime passion for UM’s sports programs took root, some of his favorite Hurricanes moments, how athletics continues to elevate the institution’s brand, and how the university is striving for excellence in all its pursuits.

Josh Darrow visits with Canes defensive back Meesh Powell, who talks about pivoting from baseball to football in high school, why he decided to walk on at Washington, how he eventually earned his scholarship, his favorite moment of the Huskies’ 2023 run, what it’s like to face quarterback Cam Ward, what intrigues him about Lance Guidry’s defense, and how he’s providing veteran leadership in Miami’s locker room.

Josh Darrow checks in with Canes linebacker Francisco Mauigoa, who talks about growing up in American Samoa, how popular football has become there, moving to California in high school, why he decided to transfer to Miami from Washington State, how he’s preparing for the upcoming season, the inspiration behind his jersey number switch, how he tackled offseason workouts, and what he thinks of a certain new video game on the market.

Josh Darrow catches up with Canes offensive lineman Anez Cooper, who talks about growing up in Alabama, his multi-sport background, why he gravitated towards football and the offensive line, why he chose to attend Miami, how Mario Cristobal and Alex Mirabal have helped make him a better lineman, and his thoughts on the upcoming season.

Josh Darrow checks in with Canes pitcher Rafe Schlesinger, who talks about growing up on Long Island, how he transitioned from football and hockey to baseball, why he came to Miami, how he has developed as a pitcher over three seasons in Coral Gables, how he’s mentally preparing for the MLB Draft, his clothing line, and how he’s worked to manage his tics and become an inspiration to others.

Josh Darrow catches up with Director of Track and Field and Cross Country Amy Deem, who talks about how she arrived at Miami, what hurdles she faced early in her career, how her program has intersected with Canes football over the years, how she and her staff recruit across so many events, how triple jumper Russell Robinson has progressed from walk-on to national champion and her fondest memories from coaching Team USA at the 2012 Olympics.

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.