Deep Blue

Leon White had high hopes for BYU's Football team entering the 1984 season, but his world turned upside down with the devastating news of his father's cancer diagnosis. In this podcast episode, discover how Leon faced an unimaginable choice and found strength in his father’s encouragement to stay with the BYU football team. His mission became clear: to lead his team back to the Holiday Bowl in his hometown of San Diego, giving his father a final chance to see him play. Discover the powerful story of a son’s love, a father's support, and the unforgettable memory of becoming a national champion.

When LaVell Edwards was hired as BYU's head football coach, he needed the right quarterback to lead the passing attack. That quarterback was Gary Sheide. In this podcast episode, Sheide talks about how he initially refused LaVell's recruiting offer but eventually came to Provo to become the most prolific passer in school history, propelling the program to new heights.

Why would a credentialed NBA coach decide to become the head coach at a university he never attended? The quick answer: God works in mysterious ways. In this episode, BYU Basketball Coach Kevin Young details the pivotal moments in his life that have led him to being the coach of the Cougars. He also talks about his vision for the basketball program and why he's ready for the challenges that lie ahead.

Most high school athletes dream of playing professional sports; few dream of coaching them. Why was new BYU Athletics Hall-of-Famer Brian Billick drawn to a career in coaching football at such a young age? In this episode, Coach Billick describes getting into coaching, working his way to the NFL, and leading the Baltimore Ravens to their first championship. He also talks about his BYU Football playing days, helping the Cougars to their first bowl game, and what his BYU Athletics Hall of Fame induction means to him.

When the BYU Cougars entered LaVell Edwards' final season in 2000, quarterback Brandon Doman was buried on the depth chart. But late in the season, they turned to Doman to save their season when the Cougars were depleted by injuries and faced the prospect of sending LaVell out on a losing record. In celebration of 100 years of BYU football, Jason Shepherd interviews Brandon Doman to discuss saving LaVell Edwards' final season, the dominance of the team in 2001, and what it was like coaching and being fired from his alma mater.

How do you capture the essence, history, and entirety of BYU Cougar Football in one book? Sounds like a tough task, but that's what Brett Pyne and Duff Tittle, two long time BYU Athletic Department employees, set out to do in their book "100 Years of BYU Football." In this episode, the book's authors go over some lesser-known facts about BYU football history and the significant time periods that have made BYU football what it is today. They detail unique stories of LaVell Edwards, the start of football at Brigham Young Academy, and the athletic program's impact on bringing people closer to Jesus Christ.

The Cougar's cornerback, Marque Collins, dreamed of playing wide receiver. How did he end up guarding that position instead? Find out why he made the switch, and why he is grateful for needing two medical redshirt seasons in this edition of Deep Blue's Practice Chats.

BYU Football wide receiver Darius Lassiter was raised in a unique situation. His uncle, former NFL football player Kwamie Lassiter, adopted him when he was still in grade school. Why? In this podcast episode, Darius explains what it was like growing up in a home with a former professional football player, how his family dealt the with passing of Kwamie, and the worry and wait while the NCAA determined whether he could play one final season at BYU.

As impressive as it is for a football team to go 14-1, why do we still celebrate BYU's 1996 season decades later? Former Cougar's tight end Chad Lewis returns to the Deep Blue podcast to explain the importance of that season. He discusses crucial wins in the Pigskin Classic, the WAC Championship, and BYU's first New Year's bowl game against Kansas State Wildcats, the same team BYU is playing this weekend.

Tyler Batty knew from a young age he wanted to play professional football. Little did he know that his football pursuits would enable him to help those in need. In this episode, BYU Football's star defensive end discusses his equine therapy non-profit, his goals of playing in the NFL, and the decision to return to BYU one more year before turning professional.