Get ready for a compelling episode of Beyond the Game as host Mike Lacey sits down with Joe Semanoff, former BYU fullback whose journey from Philadelphia walk-on to RB team captain exemplifies perseverance and leadership. After driving cross-country in an '88 Honda Accord with just a VHS highlight reel delivered by his sister, Joe earned his spot alongside legendary running backs Luke Staley, Harvey Unga, Manase Tonga, and Fui Vakapuna in one of the most talented backfields in BYU history.

His wake-up call came when 315-pound defensive end Manaia Brown effortlessly scooped him up during his first scout team practice, teaching him the difference between high school and college football. Playing through the transition from Gary Crowton's laissez-faire approach to Bronco Mendenhall's disciplined corporate-style structure, Joe witnessed firsthand how accountability, discipline, and effort transformed team culture.

As running back captain, he participated in leadership meetings where coaches asked players to set their own goals, creating unprecedented buy-in when the staff committed to helping achieve those player-driven objectives. Through stories of the Spartan shield exercise where teammates shared their deepest motivations, the game-changing touchdown catch against New Mexico that "altered the program trajectory," and the brotherhood forged through running back by committee, Joe reveals how authentic relationships and shared sacrifice create championship culture.