Indianapolis is know as a city of speed because of May, but in late February the speed is contained to Lucas Oil Stadium and the NFL Scouting Combine. While former Indiana Hoosiers defensive back D’Angelo Ponds will not run the 40-yard dash later this weekend, it’s still all about being fast for him.
“Obviously, (the) 40 is the main event here, so just learning fast and things like that, and trying to grasp things fast. But other than that, it’s been good. I’ve been taking advantage of my opportunities” Ponds said on Thursday morning.
Ponds will participate in the on field drills and do his vertical jump at the Combine, but will wait until Indiana’s Pro Day on April 1st to do the rest of his testing.
Two Plays Stick Out to NFL Brass in Meetings
When Ponds has met with members of team’s front offices this week they have asked about two plays that defined his season and style of play.
“The Oregon (pick six) the first play of the game.” Ponds said “I feel like a lot of coaches asked about this play in the meetings. Every coach really started their meeting off with that play. So I would say that that was one of them, just to show just showed him my football IQ, how I watch film and study quarterbacks and knowing quick game going the ball had to come out fast, and things like that.”
Ponds has the reputation as an ultra prepared player who is on a different level with his football mind. The biggest “knock” on Ponds is something he has no control over, his size. That’s where the second play comes in to show that Ponds can play as physical as anyone.
“the playoff game against Alabama, against (QB) Ty Simpson, showing off my physicality, being that guy, being me as a smaller guy, but showing him not gonna be physical too.” Ponds explained.
Moving Inside on Defense
There has been plenty of speculation about Ponds projecting as an NFL slot corner due to his size even though he was an All-American on the outside for the Hoosiers. Ponds didn’t shy away from accepting that challenge
“I’m willing to play both, whatever the team needs. I’m comfortable at playing both. I played inside in high school. I got the ability to play both, and I can make plays at both.” Ponds said.
Ponds Just Wins
Ponds played three seasons on college football between James Madison and Indiana and while football is the ultimate team sport teams that Ponds’ has played on have gone 28-4. He knows how to win.
“I’m a competitor as well. I always look for the best competition, being that I came from JMU to Indiana just to play against the Top competition in big 10. And I’m a winner. Actually, I can count on probably one hand and one finger how many games I lost in my college career. So I would say I’m a winner, and I just have that winning mindset.