Behind The U

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 gen...

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 Challeng...

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 fo...

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...

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’...

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 cert...

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...

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 c...

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.