Josh Singh: How "The Bear" Transformed from Walk-On to Defensive Force

Get ready for an inspiring episode of Beyond the Game as host Mike Lacey sits down with Josh Singh, former BYU defensive tackle who recently transferred to Vanderbilt to continue his football journey. Affectionately known as "Bear" since childhood - a nickname that's sparked the viral "#bearsighting" phenomenon among teammates - Josh shares how his path from Laie, Hawaii to Orem, Utah changed the trajectory of his football career.

When COVID-19 threatened to cancel his junior season, his family's seemingly providential move to Utah opened doors to college recruiters that might have remained closed in Hawaii. As a walk-on who earned his place in the trenches at BYU, Josh embodied the team culture of "Love and Learn, Humble and Hungry" alongside coach Sitake and defensive coordinator Jay Hill. Despite balancing a full academic schedule and late-night DoorDash shifts to support himself, Josh remained committed to his "111th" - doing his job so teammates could succeed. His BYU highlight? The shutout victory against playoff-bound SMU, where team accountability trumped individual statistics.

Through stories of brotherhood that transcends practice field conflicts, positional battles, and diverse backgrounds, Josh reveals the family-like atmosphere that shaped his development both on and off the field. As he begins his new chapter at Vanderbilt, we wish him the very best on his next journey.

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Video Chapters:

00:00 - Introduction

01:06 - Discussing quarterback Jake Retzlaff's competitive nature

02:51 - Different personalities on the team

03:46 - Vocal offensive linemen like Weylin Lapuaho

04:40 - Josh explains his role as defensive tackle

06:04 - Taking on multiple blockers to help linebackers succeed

06:47 - Reflections on the Kansas game loss

08:35 - Coach Sitake's culture: "Love and Learn, Humble and Hungry"

09:24 - Moving from Laie, Hawaii to Orem, Utah

11:31 - Josh's family life with three sisters

12:32 - Living with teammates in Provo

13:34 - Polynesians in football

14:21 - Team diversity and brotherhood

15:17 - The brotherhood in the locker room

16:31 - Competition without lasting conflict

17:48 - Will Ferrin and Sam Vander Haar as team jokesters

19:31 - Josh's role on the defensive line this coming season

20:26 - The SMU shutout victory as Josh's favorite game

21:37 - Taking responsibility instead of blaming circumstances

24:40 - Leading by example to maintain team culture

26:08 - Balancing football with DoorDash work and studies

27:38 - The origin of the "Bear" nickname and "#bearsighting"

30:21 - Josh's reflections on his BYU journey

32:10 - Outro