Deep Blue

Latest Episodes:

Lee Cummard: Coming Full Circle May 27, 2025

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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.

Feed Drop: Royal Legacy May 20, 2025

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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: The Hit Heard Around the World May 13, 2025

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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.

Fui Vakapuna: Grateful to God May 06, 2025

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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.

Practice Chats: BYU Football Defensive Backs Apr 29, 2025

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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: Setting Goals, Serving Others Apr 22, 2025

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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 Part 2: Representing BYU Abroad Apr 14, 2025

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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.

Jonathan Tavernari Part 1: Brazilian Baller Apr 08, 2025

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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.

Practice Chats: Wide Receivers Mar 25, 2025

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In this special Practice Chats edition of Deep Blue, we catch up with BYU football wide receivers JoJo Phillips and Parker Kingston. JoJo talks about his rise as a leader, his viral moment against Utah, 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: Recruiting for the Cougars Mar 18, 2025

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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.

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