Episode 27 - Tanner Smith

In this episode of Storm Sessions, we’re joined by Miami defensive lineman Ahmad Moten Sr. A Broward County native, Ahmad talks about growing up in a football family and following in the footsteps of his older brother, former Canes standout Anthony Moten. He reflects on the values his parents instilled in him, especially his father, who remains a role model in his life, and now influences how Ahmad approaches being a father himself.He shares the joy of watching his young son grow up and how it’s changed his perspective on life and football. Ahmad also talks about what led him to The U, the grind of earning playing time, and the lessons he’s learned along the way. He touches on what life might look like after football, and we close the episode with fan-submitted questions.

In this episode of Storm Sessions, we’re joined by Miami Hurricanes catcher Tanner Smith. Tanner talks about growing up in Minnesota and the challenges of playing baseball through harsh winters—challenges that ultimately led his family to move to Arizona so he and his brother could pursue the game year-round. He reflects on his time at Oregon State and what brought him to The U, as well as the tight bond he formed with his teammates during the past season. Tanner shares what draws him to the catcher’s role, from managing pitchers to mentoring younger players, and how he embraces the leadership and responsibility that come with the position. Off the field, he talks about spending time outdoors fishing and enjoying life with his fiancée. He also touches on what may lie ahead after baseball. We close out the episode with fan-submitted questions to round out the conversation.

In this episode of Storm Sessions, we sit down with Miami Hurricanes linebacker Wesley Bissainthe. A Miami native, Wes shares how he found football at a young age and quickly fell in love with playing linebacker, a position he's stuck with ever since. He talks about growing up in the heart of Miami’s football culture, the competitiveness of the youth scene, and his championship run at Miami Central, where he and current teammates like Reuben Bain won three state titles.Wes reflects on his recruitment journey and what led him to The U, including the moment Coach Cristobal made Central his first stop after taking the job. He shares some of his favorite moments in a Canes uniform so far and how he’s using his platform to give back, most recently through a team mission trip to the Dominican Republic to help build basketball courts for local communities. We close out the episode with fan-submitted questions for a deeper look into Wes’s story.

In this episode of Storm Sessions, Hurricanes closer Brian Walters reflects on a season of challenges, growth, and faith. He shares how a strong belief system kept the team grounded during their run to the Super Regionals and how growing up in a Christian home shaped his values and perspective. A lifelong Canes fan, Brian talks about watching his uncle Matt play football at The U and chasing baseball dreams alongside his brother Andrew.He opens up about the transition from starter to closer, how he embraced the role, and the pride he feels following in Andrew’s footsteps. Brian shares how much he looks up to his brother and what it meant to witness his MLB debut in person.He discusses the setback of a season-ending injury during his first year at Miami and how faith, family, and the program helped him through it. Off the field, he talks about his love of fishing, passed down from his dad, and the lifelong connection his family has to The U. We wrap up with fan-submitted questions to close out the episode.

In this episode of Storm Sessions, we’re joined by Miami Hurricanes offensive tackle Markel Bell. Markel reflects on growing up in Cleveland, Mississippi, where—as he puts it—there were only three options: go to school, play football, or end up in the streets. He shares how football started as a way to spend time with friends but quickly became his path forward, offering him both structure and a sense of community. Markel talks about his late growth spurt, learning to move with agility at his size, and the journey that took him from junior college to The U. He gives insight into the tight bond shared by the offensive line and the guidance he’s found under Coach Mirabal. Off the field, he opens up about his hobbies and how he’s giving back—one signature burger at a time. We wrap up with fan-submitted questions to close out the conversation.

In this episode of Storm Sessions, we’re joined by Bobby Marsh—better known to Canes fans as Bobby Barrels. Bobby talks about growing up just outside of Penn State, learning the game from his dad, and dreaming of one day playing for the Hurricanes. He shares a story about a letter he wrote to his future self in eighth grade, hoping he’d make it to Miami—something he now proudly calls reality. Bobby walks us through his journey from FAU to his hometown team of Penn State, before arriving at The U, and how faith guided him through each step. He reflects on the tight-knit chemistry of this year’s team, how they stayed connected through adversity, and how that bond is fueling their success. Bobby touches on what life after baseball might look like. We wrap things up with fan-submitted questions to close out the conversation.

In this episode of Storm Sessions, we sit down with Dorian Gonzalez Jr., captain of the Miami Hurricanes baseball team. A Miami native through and through, Dorian reflects on his lifelong connection to the program—from growing up watching his father, Dorian Sr., play for the Canes alongside current head coach J.D. Arteaga, to now leading the team himself. He shares how his dad, who coached him through youth baseball and still helps with his game today, laid the foundation for his success. Dorian opens up about the close bond between his family and the Arteagas, and his deep friendship with J.D.’s son, Ari. He speaks candidly about the heartbreak of Ari’s tragic passing in high school and how he continues to honor his memory to this day. He talks about the pride and responsibility of being a captain, the bond within this year’s team, and how playing multiple sports growing up sharpened his skills on the diamond. We touch on what life beyond baseball might look like—and wrap up with fan-submitted questions to close out the conversation.

In this episode of Storm Sessions, we sit down with Francis "SiSi" Mauigoa, one of the anchors of the Miami Hurricanes offensive line. SiSi shares what it was like growing up on the island of American Samoa, where he first found his passion for sports through volleyball and rugby before quickly picking up football—competing against high school players while still in sixth grade. He opens up about the challenges of playing football on the island, from sharing equipment to finding any way possible to train and chase the dream. SiSi reflects on his journey to the mainland, first playing high school football in California, then making his way to Miami through IMG Academy. He talks about what led him to choose The U, his role in opening doors for more Polynesian players on the East Coast, and the strong bonds he shares with Coach Mirabal and Coach Cristobal. SiSi further dives into his close relationship with his brother Francisco, how they leaned on each other through the transition to the mainland, and how Francisco’s path to the NFL continues to inspire him. We end with a round of fan questions, diving into life, football, and everything in between.

In this episode of Storm Sessions, we’re joined by Miami Hurricanes shortstop Jake Ogden. A Homestead native, Jake talks about growing up fishing with his dad, cheering on the Panthers and Canes, and learning life lessons through the baseball journeys of his older brother. He shares how that foundation—and a decision to bulk up in high school—helped him chase the dream of playing beyond the high school level. With Barry University as his only offer, Jake reflects on making the most of that opportunity, his transition to Division I baseball at UNC Greensboro, and how a summer in the Cape Cod League eventually led him back home to The U. He further opens up about the goals he’s chasing now and the path he’s paving for what comes next. Jake closes things out by responding to fan-submitted questions.

In this episode of Storm Sessions, we’re joined by new Miami wide receiver CJ Daniels. CJ shares what it was like growing up in Atlanta, balancing football and basketball, and how lessons from the hardwood have translated to the gridiron. He reflects on life in a competitive but supportive household, and how that environment shaped his mindset. CJ opens up about his family’s brand, The Subliminal Athlete, and how speaking positive affirmations fuels his performance and personal growth. He takes us through his journey from Liberty to LSU, and now to The U, and talks about how faith and trusting God’s plan helped him navigate setbacks, including injuries. To close the episode, CJ answers fan-submitted questions.