Indiana Lands Top Young Cornerback D’Angelo Ponds from James Madison
Indiana Football made a big splash in the transfer portal by landing standout cornerback D’Angelo Ponds from James Madison. The 5-foot-9, 165-pound defensive back had an impressive freshman season in 2023, earning Freshman All-American honors and being named the Freshman Cornerback of the Year by College Football Network.
Ponds made an immediate impact at James Madison, starting 10 games and recording 51 tackles, two interceptions, and 15 pass breakups. His play on the field caught the attention of programs like Auburn, Miami (FL), and Georgia Tech, but ultimately he chose to bring his talents to Bloomington.
New Indiana head coach Curt Cignetti beat out a long list of schools for Ponds’ commitment, solidifying the Hoosiers’ secondary for the upcoming season. With the departure of Kobee Minor to the transfer portal, Ponds’ addition provides much-needed depth and talent to the cornerback position.
Originally a three-star recruit out of Chaminade-Madonna College Preparatory School in Florida, Ponds helped his high school team win back-to-back state championships before making the jump to the college level. Now, he joins Indiana with three years of eligibility and the potential to make a significant impact on the Hoosiers’ defense.
As Indiana looks to build on their success from last season, the addition of Ponds adds a dynamic playmaker to their roster and solidifies their secondary for the future. Hoosiers fans can look forward to seeing Ponds in action as he continues to make a name for himself in the Big Ten conference.