2024 Countdown to IUFB Kickoff: 37 Days (D'Angelo Ponds)

Written By Nick Gonzales (@nrgonzales_)

The 2024 Hoosier Huddle Countdown to kickoff continues with 37 days until the start of the Hoosier’s football season! Every day, we take a look at players on the current roster and highlight their roles in the upcoming season. With just over a month left for our countdown, today we are looking at defensive back, D’Angelo Ponds.

Name: D’Angelo Ponds

Hometown: West Park, Florida (Chaminade Madonna)

Position: Defensive Back

Year: Sophomore

Height/Weight: 5’9”/165 pounds

Social Media: Twitter: (@DangeloPondss)

Ponds is one of the outstanding transfers that Curt Cignetti brought with him from James Madison. In 2023, Ponds appeared in 13 games for the Dukes and started in 10 of them. As a freshman, he recorded 52 total tackles, 15 passes defended, and 2 interceptions. He also recovered a blocked punt for a touchdown against Virginia (9/9/23). Additionally, he was tabbed Freshman All-America by Football Writers Association of America, and he was one of 14 semifinalists for Shaun Alexander Freshman of the Year. He was also tabbed College Football Network second-team All-America, Freshman All-America, Freshman Cornerback of the Year, and second-team All-Sun Belt.

Before making it to the collegiate level, Ponds helped his high school, Chaminade Madonna, to back-to-back FHSAA state championships. He was a dual-sport athlete, competing in track & field where he was also a state qualifier. In 2021 Ponds was named First Team All-County Sprinter.

Ponds wasn’t a part of the first group of guys from JMU that Cignetti brought over. He entered the transfer portal April 26, 2024, and then committed to Indiana on May 4th. The All-American is a great addition to the Hoosiers’ roster. Indiana needed to address their defensive backfield in the offseason, and it seems they may have done just that. Ponds is a very speedy and agile corner who has outstanding reaction time and awareness. Standing at 5’9”, you might wonder if he is capable of starting in a Power 5 Conference. However, his height doesn’t affect his playstyle. Ponds is aggressive and animalistic and will do anything to keep the ball from landing in the hands of opponents. He is fast and has the jumping and play recognition ability to be a top corner in the Big Ten. He had an incredible season as a true freshman last year and he only plans on getting better. Cignetti brought an excellent corner to the Hoosiers and expects him to dominate this season. 

The Hoosier Huddle Countdown to Kickoff continues with Day 36 tomorrow!