Behind The U

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.

As a run up to Miami’s seventh annual Celebration of Women’s Athletics presented by adidas, Josh Darrow talks to Estela Perez-Somarriba, whose decorated tennis career includes the 2019 NCAA singles title, five All-America honors, the most wins in UM history, two degrees and a 3.9 GPA. Josh also visits with Deputy AD Jennifer Strawley on the history and importance of the CWA.

Josh Darrow visits with 2001 national championship head coach Larry Coker, who reflects on his path to coaching, his arrival in Coral Gables, assuming the reins as head coach, the Canes’ incredible championship run and the controversial finish that denied UM back-to-back titles.

Josh Darrow checks in with 2001 national champion and nine-year NFL veteran Clinton Portis, who talks about moving from Mississippi to Florida, his recruitment to UM, his running back battles with fellow Canes greats, what fueled the national title run and his pro career in Denver and Washington. 

Josh Darrow catches up with All-American offensive tackle and first-round draft pick Leon Searcy, who talks about his late start to high school football, playing for both Jimmy Johnson and Dennis Erickson, being a member of three national championship teams and how The U prepared him for an 11-year career in the NFL.

Josh Darrow visits with two-time national championship coach and College Football Hall of Famer Dennis Erickson, who looks back on his arrival at Miami, his revolutionary offensive schemes, some of the Canes greats he recruited and coached, and his memories of the 1991 national champions as their 30th anniversary approaches this fall.