The Boys of 'Off Campus' Cover Issue 20

They portray the beloved boys of Briar University’s hockey team in the fictional universe created by Elle Kennedy. In our interview, the conversation passes between them swiftly and effortlessly. Belmont naturally stands at the centre, setting the pace, while the give-and-go between him and Stephen is untouchable. Jalen, the ‘glue guy’, stays open and reliable while Antonio is like a goalie—attentive, composed, and unflinching until a purpose moves him. Their camaraderie has come a long way since first impressions marked by compression shirts, half-nakedness, or perhaps most unfortunate of all, a fedora.

Undoubtedly on the edge of something huge, they all deeply believe that they couldn’t have gotten here alone. With the group’s help, Jalen accepts that he’s right where he belongs, Antonio releases what he normally keeps close to his chest, Belmont leads with the strength of those behind him, and Stephen finds a safe space to courageously admit that he still sleeps with a blankie, otherwise know as ‘gankie’. They agree that the real game happens on set, so while their adrenaline is up, the game has already been played. So we get to sit on the edge of our seats and watch a match already won.

Preview our Issue 20 conversation below:

Each character takes on a role within the friendship group, which happens naturally. In real life, what role do you each feel you take in a friendship group?
Belmont: I end up in a caretaker position. I really want my friends to lean on me, and I'm really happy when they do. I'm a very forthcoming individual. There are no secrets about me. If you spend enough time with me, you’ll hear everything that’s ever happened to me. That's what I want out of my friendships. I like to think that I'm a safe place for people to be an absolute goofball with and to have great conversations about life.
Stephen: I'm similar. I'm very open about my feelings and thoughts. I'm not afraid to show that. I'm very personable with people. I'm extroverted but also introverted, I would say. When I'm done socialising, I'm mentally completely checked out. I just want to stare at the ceiling or scroll on my phone and not speak to a single soul.
Belmont: You’re a sweet boy. I think you’re an introvert.
Stephen: I also sleep with a blankie. It’s called Gankie.
Belmont: Did you just say…
Stephen: The world needs to know.
Belmont: We found out about Gankie, and Stephen basically crawled under a rock. He was like, ‘I did not want you to know about Gankie.’
Jalen: He wouldn’t even let us touch Gankie.
Belmont: This is like a really big exclusive. That is so cool that you admitted that.
Stephen: It’s just for Boys by Girls.
Jalen: Straight off the gank, brother.
Belmont: Also, Stephen sleeps upside down.
Stephen: I get hot at the top, and when I go to the bottom for some reason, it feels like it’s cooler.
Antonio: For me, I’m more of an individual relationships kind of guy. When I get into big groups, I just start to shut down a little bit, and it gets weird for me. But I love one-on-one relationships. With all of these guys, I like to pull them aside, ask how they're doing, and get those deeper stories. Sometimes I'm a little closed off, and I’ve got to be better about it. Belmont's been pulling stuff out. Stephen does too. You guys help me a lot. I genuinely care so much about everybody. I'm an empath, so sometimes I take on a little bit too much, but that's okay. I'm always here to listen and offer whatever kind of shit advice I can.
Jalen: I tend to be the glue guy.
Stephen: I love the glue guy. The Elmer’s purple glue stick. The B-I-C BIC.
[Belmont and Stephen continue making glue jokes in the background]

Off Campus is out now on Prime Video. To read our full 24 page spread, preorder Issue 20 here.