Indiana Football has secured another transfer from James Madison, adding defensive back D’Angelo Ponds to bolster their defensive backfield. Head coach Curt Cignetti, along with defensive coordinator Bryant Haynes and defensive backs coach Rod Ojong, recognized the team’s need for depth in the secondary ahead of spring practice, particularly exacerbated by the unexpected departure of cornerback Kobee Minor. With this pressing need, Cignetti and his staff swiftly sought out reinforcements, turning once again to James Madison for assistance.
D’Angelo Ponds, a rising sophomore defensive back, has committed to joining the Hoosiers. Hailing from Chaminade-Madonna Prep in Hollywood, Florida, Ponds arrived at James Madison as a three-star recruit. In his freshman year, he made an immediate impact, appearing in all 13 games and starting in ten. Ponds’ impressive performance saw him amass 51 tackles, 13 pass breakups, two interceptions, two tackles for loss, and two fumble recoveries, earning him recognition as a Freshman All-American Second Team member by various organizations, including the Football Writers Association of America and HERO Sports Group of Five. Additionally, he garnered Second Team honors in the Sun Belt Conference.
Following his entry into the transfer portal, Ponds attracted interest from several schools, including Illinois, Boston College, USC, Auburn, Cincinnati, Duke, Miami, Wake Forest, and Tulane, alongside Indiana. With three years of eligibility remaining, Ponds brings considerable talent and potential to the Hoosiers’ defensive lineup.
