BYU wide receiver Keelan Marion can talk a big game. So, where did he learn that confidence? And why does it seem like Keelan's always smiling? Find out in our first edition of Deep Blue's Practice Chats.

After nearly a decade of investigating the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Tom Holmoe woke up one day and was ready to be baptized. Why the sudden change of heart? In part 2 of our interview with the Cougars' Athletic Director, Tom explains the role his wife, family, and a dream played in his conversion. He also tackles his NFL and coaching careers, his relationship with the late LaVell Edwards, and the legacy he hopes to leave at BYU.

Out of high school, Tom Holmoe's family never wanted him to go to BYU. What brought him to Provo as a student-athlete, and more importantly, what made him return years later to work in the athletic department? Tom discusses the football injury that put BYU on his radar and how that changed the trajectory of his life forever. He also talks about what it's like to be the Cougars' athletic director and how he has been so successful in his role over the last 19 years.

Few people understand the mind better than Dr. Craig Manning. But as an amateur on the international tennis tour out of high school, he struggled mightily with mental strength. How did he learn to master the mind? Dr. Manning documents his journey to BYU, his conversion to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and how he became the mental strength coach for BYU athletics and the Milwaukee Bucks.

This week, we highlight one of our other BYUradio podcasts. Big Stories tells the amazing tales surrounding BYU's opponents in the Big 12.

Thane Baker desired to run in the Olympics at an early age. His mother timed him every day with an alarm clock. Then, an accident at a garage almost derailed Thane's budding track career. In this episode, discover how Baker walked on to the Kansas State track team, lived out his dream as one of the fastest men in the world, and was eventually honored as one of the greats in Wildcat sports history.

Guests:

Thane Baker - former Kansas State and Olympic Track Star

Catherine Nicholson - Baker's daughter and author of the book, "Running in Borrowed Shoes: Thane Baker and the 1952 Summer Games"

Cliff Rovelto - Kansas State Track and Field Head Coach

The Hall family has made quite the name for itself in Provo, Utah, but none of it would have happened had it not been for a few important choices by the father, Kalin Hall. The former Cougar's star running back opens up about these choices and how they led him to convert to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and to transfer to BYU. He also talks about accepting the head coaching job at Maple Mountain High School, the importance of his faith, and what it's like being the father of NFL player, Jaren Hall.

Todd Miller stirred up controversy when he chose to forfeit in the final round of the 2004 Utah State Amateur golf tournament. His reason? It took place on a Sunday. The former BYU Cougar golfer opens up about his decision not to play on that Sabbath day and what it means to be the Cougar's director of golf. He also touches on what it was like growing up in a household of golf legend Jonny Miller and how his faith and mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints have shaped his life.

Jake Retzlaff was on his way to becoming a UTEP Miner quarterback. The Southern California native was ready to pass in old El Paso when his scholarship was yanked because of a low grade in one of his junior college classes. Find out what he did next to find his way to the BYU Football team. Retzlaff also shares his feelings about starting the last four games of the season and how comfortable he feels as a Jew at BYU.

Former BYU Football linebacker Bryan Kehl knew he was adopted as a child, but he had no desire to find his birth parents. In this podcast episode, find out how Bryan reunited with them and his relationship with them today. Plus, Bryan discusses his growth and resilience to make it to the NFL.

This is the show where BYU fans get to know the Cougars behind the number that you see on the field or court. Explore the true stories of BYU's athletes and coaches with host Jason Shepherd.