Behind The U

As the 2023 season fast approaches, Josh Darrow catches up with ESPN college football reporter David Hale, who talks about the latest conference realignment news, his ACC predictions, why Miami is Tight End U, what his Saturdays look like from a coverage perspective and how he handles the occasional “mean tweets” from fans. 

Josh Darrow checks in with former Canes and Dolphins offensive lineman Vernon Carey, who talks about who convinced him to stay home coming out of high school, the camaraderie of UM’s offensive line room, why the Canes were so dominant from 2000-02, the best play he witnessed from a teammate, how it felt to spend his NFL career in his hometown and the success of his recent restaurant venture.

Josh Darrow catches up with Canes offensive coordinator Shannon Dawson, who talks about why he pursued coaching, his origins with the Air Raid offense, how he approaches working with quarterbacks, why he couldn’t pass up the opportunity to coach at Miami and what fans can expect to see from UM’s offense this season.

Josh Darrow checks in with Canes defensive coordinator Lance Guidry, who talks about his upbringing in Louisiana, how he gravitated to football, how his defensive philosophy evolved over time, why he chose to work for Mario Cristobal at Miami, what to expect from his defense this season and the keys to a good a pot of gumbo.

Josh Darrow catches up with Canes wide receiver Xavier Restrepo, who talks about his love of football, who inspires him, what he draws his confidence from, why he chose to stay close to home at UM, rooming with Tyler Van Dyke, how playing Madden has helped his football IQ and who has the best golf game on the team.

Josh Darrow checks in with Canes center Matt Lee, who talks about why he transferred from UCF to Miami, the intricacies of playing offensive line, what intrigues him about playing for Mario Cristobal and Alex Mirabal, working with quarterback Tyler Van Dyke, what he sees from his fellow linemen, his favorite food selections and his favorite “old” movies.

As the Major League Baseball Draft approaches Josh Darrow checks in with Canes slugger Yohandy Morales, who talks about growing up in Miami, why he chose to attend UM, how he transformed into a power hitter, where he gets his confidence from, and what he expects to feel when his name gets called in the upcoming draft.

Josh Darrow catches up with new men’s basketball guard Matthew Cleveland, who talks about transferring from Florida State to Miami, what intrigued him about the UM program, how he fits in with the rest of the roster, what he has been doing this summer in Coral Gables and a certain shot he hit at Watsco Center last February.

Josh Darrow checks in with Canes women’s basketball guard Ja’Leah Williams, who talks about staying home to play for UM, the team’s magical run to the Elite Eight this past season, her offseason workout routine, what she’s looking forward to next season and how she overcame a severe medical diagnosis to keep her basketball dreams on track.

Josh Darrow chats with Ramiro Restrepo -- UM alum and co-owner of reigning Kentucky Derby champion Mage -- who talks about growing up in Miami as a fifth-generation horseman, what drew him to the track, how he discovered Mage, the thrill of winning the Derby, his lifelong love for the Canes and how building a racing stable is similar to constructing a football roster.

Josh Darrow catches up with recent UM Sports Hall of Fame inductee David Gil, who talks about why he chose his hometown school, how he broke into the Canes’ pitching lineup, his three trips to Omaha, his phenomenal 12-0 season that culminated with a national championship, and his relationship with current Canes head coach Gino DiMare and pitching coach J.D. Arteaga.

As the NCAA Baseball Tournament approaches, Josh Darrow talks to Canes All-America closer Andrew Walters, who details his rise through the high school and junior college ranks, his decision to come to Miami, his goals for this season, how he approaches hitters, his penchant for fishing, his search for a walkup song and his uncle Matt’s role in one of the most famous plays in UM football history.

Josh Darrow chats with former Canes slugger and recent UM Sports Hall of Famer Kevin Brown, who reacts to two surprise guests and talks about getting recruited to Miami, playing on two national championship teams, his incredible postseason surge in 2001 and what getting elected to the Hall of Fame means to him. 

Josh Darrow catches up with All-America tight end and newly minted UM Sports Hall of Famer Willie Smith, who talks about his prolific four-sport high school career, why he picked Miami, his switch from wide receiver to tight end, breaking records in Jimmy Johnson’s offense, watching his son Chase play for the Canes and what the recent Hall of Fame induction means to him.

Josh Darrow visits with Canes track and field sprinter Moriah Oliveira, who talks about why she chose to come to Miami with her twin sister Sierra, how she worked to become an ACC champion, how she has been able to build her brand through NIL opportunities, and how the UM track family has helped her family cope with tragedy. 

Josh Darrow catches up with ESPN’s Jorge Sedano, who talks about calling the Miami Spring Game for ACC Network, what he expects from the Canes and Mario Cristobal this season, growing up in South Florida and where his career path has led him in both radio and television.

Josh Darrow visits with former Canes diver David Dinsmore, who talks about what drew him to diving as a youngster, why he chose Miami, winning a national championship, competing internationally, how he coped with a career-ending injury and how his love of the water launched his new career as a fishing guide in the Florida Keys.

Josh Darrow checks in former Canes tight end and current NFL Draft prospect Will Mallory, who talks about growing up in a football family, why he chose Miami, meeting some Tight End U legends, how he’s preparing for the draft and what it was like to room with a fellow Cane who hops on the show as a surprise guest.

Josh Darrow checks in with new Miami running backs coach and UM Sports Hall of Famer Tim Harris, Jr., who talks about the influence his legendary coaching father had on his athletic career, why he decided to come to UM as a track standout, what got him into coaching at the high school level, how he transitioned to college coaching and what he expects from the Canes’ running backs room in 2023.

Josh Darrow chats with former Canes and MLB pitcher Danny Graves, who talks about his days in Coral Gables, Ron Fraser’s last season as head coach, his big-league career, how hard he can still throw, how he has transitioned to broadcast work, and his family’s amazing story as they escaped to the U.S. during the Fall of Saigon.

As Miami heads to its first Final Four, Josh Darrow catches up with three of Jim Larrañaga’s former assistants – Chris Caputo, Eric Konkol and Michael Huger – who all became head coaches and talk about Coach L’s coaching style, what they remember from their days at Miami, how Coach L has influenced their coaching careers, and how they have been cheering on the Canes during this incredible run.

Josh Darrow checks in with new Canes wide receivers coach Kevin Beard, who talks about returning to his alma mater, why he fell in love with coaching, what he has learned from each coaching stop, what traits he looks for when recruiting student-athletes and why he thinks Mario Cristobal and his staff can restore the Miami Standard.

Josh Darrow moderates a reunion roundtable as Jim Larrañaga is joined by Chris Caputo, Garrius Adams, Julian Gamble, Reggie Johnson and Joe Zagacki to share stories and memories about Miami’s 2013 ACC regular season and tournament championship team 10 years after that remarkable season.

As March Madness begins Josh Darrow checks in with Canes forward Norchad Omier, who talks about growing up in Nicaragua, how he gravitated from baseball to basketball, why he decided to pursue college basketball in the U.S., what motivated him to transfer to Miami, how his work ethic has fit into the Canes’ system and culture, and what it means to represent his home country on the hardwood. 

Josh Darrow catches up with Paige Yaroshuk-Tews who recently earned her 400th win as Canes women’s tennis coach and talks about growing up in Miami, how her father influenced her competitive spirit, her college playing career at UCLA, how she ended up at UM, how she has built the program into one of the country’s best and her expectations for this season.