Standing 5’9″ and 165 pounds, D’Angelo Ponds joined JMU’s roster as an underrecruited three-star prospect. Yet, he vastly outplayed his size and competition, proving to be one of the best CBs in all of college football. Now in the transfer portal, Ponds will likely dive into the deep end of the Power Five for his next opportunity. Which programs own the highest chances of earning the JMU CB’s commitment?
Landing Spots for D’Angelo Ponds
Ponds received SUN Belt CB of the Year, Freshman CB of the Year, and Freshman All-American honors from CFN after generating 51 tackles, 15 pass breakups, two interceptions, and two fumble recoveries in 13 games last season. Additionally, he entered the offseason at No. 1 on our 2024 Sun Belt CB Rankings.
The high school track star showcased his speed on the boundary last season, easily carrying routes downfield and sticking to WRs at the breakpoint. Ponds helped the Dukes to an 11-2 record in their second season in the FBS.
However, head coach Curt Cignetti left the program for an opportunity at a higher level, and several players entered the portal, with Ponds being the latest. Speaking of his former coach…
Indiana Hoosiers
Cignetti signed on to become Indiana’s lead man for 2024 and beyond, and the Hoosiers appear to be the favorites to land Ponds. Familiarity goes a long way, and former JMU DC Bryant Haines is also in Bloomington.
Missouri Tigers
The Tigers had their best season in a decade last season, and they’re reloading with the majority of the team returning. One unit that took a massive hit due to graduations and the draft was the secondary, with starting CB Kris Abrams-Draine and Ennis Rakestraw Jr. gone. Ponds could fill their shoes and then some, and SEC NIL benefits wouldn’t hurt.
Syracuse Orange
Syracuse offered Ponds out of high school, and even though their is a new staff in place, the Orange are still an intriguing landing spot. New HC Fran Brown is a proven DB developer, coaching the position since 2013 and most recently at Georgia (2022-2023). Plus, Brown spent a couple of seasons in the NFL, which is always an allure for future draft prospects.
Tulane Green Wave
Another program that targeted Ponds as a recruit but has a new staff is Tulane. Jon Sumrall comes over from Troy, where he produced one of the best defenses in the country last season. Adding Ponds to help redefine the Green Wave’s defense and maintain their two-year run of dominance in the AAC should be priority No. 1 on Sumrall’s list.
Florida Schools (Miami, FSU, and UF)
Miami, Florida State, and Florida let Ponds escape their backyard once — they shouldn’t let it happen again. All three could use his skill set in the back end and obviously provide the appeal top-tier Power Five programs have to offer.
KEEP READING: James Madison Dukes’ Top 10 Returning Players
Mario Cristobal’s Hurricanes are the closest to Ponds’ hometown of West Park, but each of D1 Florida schools should do their best to bring the CB back to the state.
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