Behind The U

Josh Darrow talks to Canes quarterback D’Eriq King, who talks about how he gravitated to football at a young age, his father’s influence, why he chose to play quarterback, which schools recruited him, the detail in his preparation week to week, how he has coped with injuries and what’s next for him as he graduates this week with his Master’s degree and starts preparing for the NFL Draft.

Josh Darrow catches up with UM All-American and Minnesota Vikings legend Chuck Foreman, who talks about his decision to go to Miami, the foundation for the program he helped set in the early 1970s, his star-studded career as a Vikings running back and some of his favorite players from The U throughout the years. 

The Canes honored Dan Morgan at this past Saturday’s home finale for his upcoming induction into the College Football Hall of Fame so this week we’re re-releasing an episode from earlier this year with the legendary linebacker, who details his historic UM career as well as his success as both an NFL player and executive.

Josh Darrow sits down with his broadcast partner Joe Zagacki – the Voice of the Canes – who takes us in depth into how he prepares for each broadcast, from researching teams, watching games, building his charts, honing his vocabulary and painting the pictures on gameday that Canes fans enjoy from wherever they’re listening.

In the second of a two-part episode, Josh Darrow continues his chat with Canes men’s basketball coach Jim Larrañaga, who talks about growing up in The Bronx, how he discovered basketball, his college and pro career, his coaching journey and how his philosophies on basketball and life have evolved throughout his legendary career.

In the second of a two-part episode, Josh Darrow continues his chat with Canes women’s basketball coach Katie Meier, who talks about growing up in Chicago as one of eight siblings, her college and professional playing days, her coaching journey and what eventually led her to Miami as she now enters her 17th season at UM.

In the first of a two-part episode, Josh Darrow talks to Canes head women’s basketball coach Katie Meier, who details her “Seek the Gap” philosophy, how she built her program, what she looks for in her players on and off the court, some of her favorite moments in Coral Gables and what she’s expecting from the Canes as the 2021-22 season fast approaches.

Josh Darrow catches up with Canes head men’s basketball coach Jim Larrañaga, who talks about his basketball philosophy, his head coaching journey, coaching both of his sons in college, how he got the job at Miami and what his current group of Canes looks like as they get ready for the 2021-22 season. 

Josh Darrow chats with former Canes and NFL linebacker Sean Spence, who talks about growing up in Miami, what factored into his decision to attend UM, the ups and downs of his Canes career, turning pro and what’s on the horizon for him.

Josh Darrow catches up with Canes All-American, national champion and Super Bowl champion Antrel Rolle, who discusses why he chose Miami over Florida, those initial workouts on Greentree, the 2001 and 2002 national championship games, the best players on those squads and how UM prepared him for a stellar NFL career. 

Josh Darrow talks ACC and Miami football with ACC Network play-by-play announcer and "Packer & Durham" co-host Wes Durham, who discusses the state of the conference, which teams have the best chance of making it to Charlotte and how college football continues to evolve on and off the field.

Josh Darrow checks in with UM volleyball coach Keno Gandara, who talks about growing up in Puerto Rico as a baseball and volleyball standout, his collegiate playing days at UC-Santa Barbara, his professional career overseas, his decision to get into coaching, why he coveted the Miami job and how his team has jumped out to a 9-1 start this season.

Josh Darrow catches up with former Canes assistant coach and legendary Miami high school coach Don Soldinger, who talks about getting hired by Howard Schnellenberger, working for Jimmy Johnson, Butch Davis and Larry Coker, the most memorable UM running back performances on his watch and what the Canes and Miami mean to him.

Josh Darrow checks in with Canes punter Lou Hedley, who talks about growing up in a small Australian fishing town, his love of Australian rules football, how he transitioned to the American version of the sport, how he arrived at UM, what sparked last season’s net punting record and (of course) his famous collection of tattoos.

Josh Darrow catches up with ESPN college football analyst Todd Blackledge, who discusses playing Miami when he was the quarterback at Penn State, his thoughts on conference realignment, what he likes about D’Eriq King and how the Canes match up against Alabama in the season opener, which he will call as a member of ABC’s crew.

Josh Darrow chats with Canes wide receivers coach Rob Likens, who details how football helped mold him and guide his career path, how he came to embrace an up tempo offense, his experience as an offensive coordinator, how he ended up at Miami and what he loves about his wide receiver room in Coral Gables.

In conjunction with the launch of Canes Vault – Miami’s new non-fungible token marketplace -- Josh Darrow talks NFTs with Brian Burns and Jon Parise from GigLabs, who detail the history of NFTs, the philosophy and technology behind it and how they helped Miami build CanesVault, the unique marketplace that celebrates the rich history of UM Athletics.

Josh Darrow talks to Canes basketball great Durand Scott, who looks back at his high school playing days in the Big Apple, his decision to come to Miami, the Canes’ magical run to the 2013 ACC title, his professional career overseas and the non-profit he’s launched to help other players.

Josh Darrow catches up with Canes track and field legend Michelle Atherley, who details her journey to Miami, how she came to embrace the multi events, the NCAA and ACC titles she captured, her recent run at the Olympic Trials and her continued activism on the social justice front at UM. 

In the second of a two-part episode, Josh Darrow continues his conversation with Canes offensive line coach Garin Justice, who discusses his stint as a young Division II head coach, what he learned as an offensive coordinator at UNLV, how he arrived in Coral Gables and what he loves most about coaching offensive linemen.

In the first of a two-part episode, Josh Darrow catches up with Canes offensive line coach Garin Justice, who recounts his days as a three-sport standout in West Virginia, his ascension to team captain in college, his decision to make coaching a career and his versatile karaoke skills, which a surprise guest verifies.

Josh Darrow hosts a roundtable with former Canes student-athletes who are now playing professional jai-alai in Miami. They discuss the initial outreach to UM alumni, how their athletic backgrounds helped them transition to a brand new game and what they envision going forward for the sport they now proudly call their own.

Josh Darrow talks to Canes baseball great, seven-year MLB veteran and current ACC Network analyst Gaby Sanchez, who discusses growing up in Miami, his two trips to Omaha with the Canes, breaking into the big leagues with his hometown Marlins and how baseball shaped his life on the diamond and beyond.

Josh Darrow chats with UM Sports Hall of Fame Executive Director John Routh, who details the history of the Hall of Fame but also reminisces about his longtime stints as Miami’s beloved mascots Sebastian the Ibis and Miami Maniac, which include helicopters, steers, parades, wedding receptions, ski jumping and being “detained” on an opponent's field in 1989.

Josh Darrow catches up with nine-year NFL veteran and three-time Pro Bowler Jon Beason, who talks about his high school days in South Florida, his transition from fullback to linebacker, his coaching mentors, his memories of Sean Taylor, the unparalleled linebacker tradition at Miami and what it takes to achieve greatness.