INDIANAPOLIS - When D’Angelo Ponds first stepped into Curt Cignetti’s office at Memorial Stadium back in the spring of 2024, he was accompanied by his father, Angelo. This visit marked a pivotal moment for the defensive back, who had just entered the transfer portal after his time at James Madison University. Ponds committed to the Hoosiers during this visit, becoming one of 13 former Dukes to follow Cignetti to Indiana.
As they reviewed Indiana’s 2024 schedule, Angelo was confident about surpassing the six-win mark to secure a bowl game. Cignetti, however, had his sights set even higher.
“Coach Cig looked at him like, ‘Bowl game?’” D’Angelo recalled.
“‘We're going to win it all.’”
While Indiana didn’t reach the ultimate goal in Cignetti’s first year, they achieved the unthinkable in his second: a 16-0 season culminating in a national championship. It was a feat few believed possible, as Ponds noted.
Now, instead of gearing up for another season with Indiana, Ponds finds himself at the NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis, a testament to his hard work and determination. The former three-star recruit is one of nine Hoosiers represented at the combine.
“It’s a dream come true, honestly,” Ponds shared. “It’s something every football player dreams of. Being here means the world to me.”
On Friday, Ponds will showcase his skills in defensive back drills and the vertical jump at Lucas Oil Stadium. He plans to save his 40-yard dash for Indiana’s Pro Day on April 1 in Bloomington.
This week in Indianapolis provides Ponds with the chance to engage with NFL scouts and team executives, both in formal and informal settings. Despite some analysts questioning his fit in the NFL due to his physical stature-Indiana lists him at 5-foot-9 and 173 pounds-Ponds remains unfazed. The average NFL cornerback is taller and heavier, but Ponds is prepared for any role, whether it’s as a nickel or slot corner.
“I’m not worried about where I’m going to play,” Ponds stated. “Wherever they need me, I’ll play and be dominant.”
Interestingly, teams haven’t focused much on his height. Instead, they’re interested in his mental approach to the game. His standout plays during Indiana’s College Football Playoff run, like his pick-6 against Oregon in the Peach Bowl, highlight his football IQ and ability to read the game.
“Just showed them my football IQ, how I watch film and study quarterbacks,” Ponds explained. “Knowing quick game, knowing the ball had to come out fast.”
In the Rose Bowl against Alabama, Ponds forced a crucial fumble, showcasing his physicality despite being outsized by the opposing quarterback. His mentality, shaped by his South Florida roots, has always been about resilience and competition.
South Florida is a hotbed for top recruits, and even those like Ponds, who didn’t have the highest recruiting profile, often rise to prominence. His journey from Chaminade-Madonna College Preparatory, where he played alongside top talents, has prepared him for this moment.
“Miami is basically a football city,” Ponds said. “You have to be a competitor. You’re going against top competition, and that’s what made me who I am today.”
Under the guidance of defensive coordinator Bryant Haines and Cignetti, Ponds developed into a projected second-round pick. His 41 collegiate games, including 28 at Indiana, taught him about resilience and growth. As he prepares to embark on his NFL journey, any team that drafts him will get a player ready to prove himself on the biggest stage.