D'Angelo Ponds Bringing His 'Seat Belt' and Playmaking Ability to the Big Ten

Written by Sammy Jacobs (@Hoosier_Huddle)

The Indiana Hoosiers added to their secondary with freshman All-American D’Angelo Ponds over the weekend and he is bringing his ‘seatbelt’ to the Big Ten as he will try and lockdown opposing wide receivers. Ponds earned high marks at James Madison in 2023 by breaking up 13 passes and intercepting two passes.

Ponds was a highly sought after transfer and heard from many Power Four schools, something that did not happen coming out of high school. However, Ponds ultimately chose IU due to his relationships with the former JMU coaches.

“It was ultimately IU because of my relationship with the coaching staff and my trust in them to develop me as a player and for the next level.” Ponds explained.

While Ponds is familiar with head coach Curt Cignetti and defensive coordinator Bryant Haines, he has a new position coach in Rob Ojong. IU’s cornerbacks coach has told Ponds he has a plan for him drawn up.

“He’s been telling me how big he is on technique and how hard we are going to work in practice.” Ponds said. “He’s also told me things that I’m good at and things I could work on to get better . But me and him have been building a relationship and I trust him to pre pare me for the next level.”

Ponds had great thing to say about IU’s new head man as well.

“He has made me a better player and person just by pushing me everyday and holding me to a high standard . I feel like it was best to follow him to IU because I already had a relationship with him and the rest of the staff and I trust them to get me better.” He said.

Ponds becomes the latest former Duke to come to Bloomington and he is excited to have so many former teammates with him in the Big Ten to help set the standard for the Hoosiers.

“(It’s) very exciting having guys that already know the standard. They have been telling me nothing but great things about Bloomington.” Ponds said.

Ponds has his seatbelt ready, IU fans should buckle up for the 2024 season as well.