Deep Blue

Many BYU fans might not recall Zac Erekson’s days on the Cougar football team, but his life's journey is nothing short of remarkable. The current head football coach of Snow College shares how he went from high school football coach to head coach of the Badgers. Erekson also gives us a sneak peek at some Snow College standouts heading to BYU in 2025 and recounts the unforgettable experience of competing on Family Feud with his family. It's part of a two-part extravaganza.

Lee Cummard never dreamed of playing at BYU—let alone coaching there. So why did a kid from Mesa, Arizona with offers from Pac-12 powerhouses choose what he called the “most vanilla” recruiting visit of them all? Find out how that decision shaped his life, launched his pro career, and eventually led him back to BYU as the new head coach of the women’s basketball program.

Jason Shepherd and the Deep Blue team will have another great episode next week. In the meantime, we are featuring one of BYUradio's other great sports podcasts. Royal Legacy dives deep into the family connections of BYU sports. This week's episode features Chris and Chloee Hoke. Chris is a former defensive tackle for the BYU Cougars and Pittsburgh Steelers, and Chloee just finished her freshman season on the BYU gymnastics team. They talk about the challenges of raising a family while playing in the NFL, how to embrace adversity, and what it means to their family to compete at BYU.

Coleby Clawson once made headlines with a hit that took down a Heisman winner—but now he’s tackling something even bigger. As BYU’s Assistant Athletic Director for Football Health and Performance, how is he using his own journey from overlooked recruit to standout linebacker to help today’s players stay strong, healthy, and ready to compete? Find out how Coleby’s experiences on the field shaped his career off it and why he’s determined to give back to the program that changed his life.

Former BYU and NFL running back Fui Vakapuna was known for his tenacity on the field—but today, he’s channeling that strength into something even more powerful. Why did he choose to leave football behind and dedicate his life to helping students feel seen, heard, and valued through BYU’s Office of Belonging? Find out how Fui overcame brain surgery, learned to walk again, and is now building connection and hope for the next generation of BYU students.

In this edition of Practice Chats, we catch up with BYU defensive backs Tommy Prassas and Therrian Alexander III. How did Tommy go from early enrollee to scoring a defensive touchdown as a freshman? And what does the number one jersey mean to Therrian—and why did he feel pressure to live up to it? Find out how these two rising stars are making their mark on the field and bringing their own style and swagger to the BYU defense.

Tyler Herget didn’t always plan on ending up at BYU. So, how did a late start in volleyball, a mission to Argentina, and a transfer from Penn State all lead him to Provo? And why was he willing to take a chance on a program that gave him no promises? In this episode, Tyler shares how faith, hard work, and a deep love for the game—and his family—shaped a journey he never saw coming.

Jonathan Tavernari gave up over a million dollars to return to BYU for his senior season—but why would someone walk away from that kind of opportunity? In part two of our conversation with the former BYU basketball star, JT shares why he left Utah for Bishop Gorman, the most memorable moments from his basketball career, and how he used basketball to represent his faith. Find out how he balanced success, sacrifice, and service—both on the court and in countries around the world.

Former BYU basketball star Jonathan Tavernari’s journey to Provo was anything but ordinary. How did a kid from Brazil, with dreams of playing basketball at the highest level, end up at BYU? And what led to his remarkable conversion to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints? In part one of this two-part episode, find out how faith, basketball, and an unexpected path shaped JT’s life and legacy.

In this special Practice Chats edition of Deep Blue, we catch up with JoJo Phillips and Parker Kingston right after practice. JoJo talks about his rise as a leader, the viral Utah moment, and his time at Sierra Canyon. Parker relives his epic punt returns, the nickname he earned, and his off-the-field passions like skiing, golf, and even a courtside moment with Conor McGregor. Get an unfiltered look at these BYU receivers beyond the game.

Brandon Bradley never expected to attend BYU, let alone become a key figure in recruiting the next generation of Cougar athletes. But a last-minute scholarship offer and a leap of faith changed everything. Now, in the era of NIL deals and the transfer portal, how does he convince top talent to choose BYU? From Florida to Provo, player to recruiter, discover how Brandon’s journey shapes his unique approach to building the future of BYU football.

Hans Olsen’s journey to BYU wasn’t a straight path. How did a kid who once struggled in school, nearly committed to Nebraska, and had a tough start in football find himself at BYU—and why does he believe that decision changed his entire life? Plus, hear the incredible story of the day Hans and his uncle saved a man’s life. Find out how faith, family, and football shaped Hans into who he is today.

Hans Olsen has worn many hats—BYU Football defensive lineman, NFL player, and now Cougar football’s radio analyst. But how did a farm kid from Idaho end up balancing bikes on his chin and breaking into sports media? And why did his call to join the BYU broadcast booth bring him to tears? Discover how Hans transitioned from the trenches to the airwaves, built a career in radio, and rediscovered his connection with BYU.

Jason Shepherd will be back with another great Deep Blue podcast next week. In the meantime, we are featuring another fantastic BYUradio podcast, Big Stories. This podcast shares amazing and inspiring tales from the Big 12 and beyond. Since BYU recently played the University of Arizona in basketball, we thought we would share the episode The Fantastic Mr. Fox. Fred Snowden, a.k.a. "The Fox," made history as the first African American head basketball coach at a major university when he took the helm at the University of Arizona in 1972. Facing racism, death threats, and countless challenges, Snowden persevered and turned Tucson into a basketball town. His groundbreaking leadership paved the way for future generations of African American coaches, leaving a lasting legacy on and off the court. This podcast episode tells the story of a trailblazer who overcame the odds to change the game forever.

Andrew Gentry won a national championship with the Michigan Wolverines, reaching the pinnacle of college football. So why did he leave to play for BYU football? In this episode of the Deep Blue podcast, the former four-star offensive lineman shares his journey—from Big Ten football to suiting up for the Cougars—discussing faith, following God's plan, and his decision to transfer to BYU.

Max Hall once hit rock bottom, but he now calls it the best thing that ever happened to him. In this podcast episode, Max shares his powerful journey—from battling drug addiction to rebuilding his life and founding a recovery center to help others do the same. Hall also recounts some of the biggest decisions in his life, sharing life lessons he's learned along the way.

Setema Gali seemed to have it all: a big house, a thriving business, and even a Super Bowl ring. All outward success indicated he had arrived, but he still felt God prompt him to do something more. When the 2008 financial crisis destroyed everything he created, how did he find the strength to rebuild? In this episode, find out how Setema went from the lowest of lows to becoming a leading success coach.

Bruce Mitchell had solidified himself as a stellar defensive lineman. But during the offseason when coaches asked him to switch from the defensive side of the ball to the offensive line, how did he develop his game enough to become an integral reason for the success of the 2024 BYU football team? Listen to his story on this episode of Deep Blue's Practice Chats.

Cougar fans know Mark Durrant for his amazing and funny color commentary on BYU men's basketball radio broadcasts, but does he exist outside of that sphere? Shockingly enough, he does, and he's actually quite interesting! The self-deprecating analyst tells how he was able to make a name for himself beyond the success of his parents and siblings. He also expounds on his days playing for the Cougs and how it created long-lasting relationships in his life.

Ben Bywater had everything going for him heading into the 2023 BYU football season. But when a career-ending injury obliterated plans, how did he find the strength to keep going? In this episode, hear Ben's perspective on his brutal injury and how trials from his mission prepared him for adversity.