Head coach Curt Cignetti, defensive coordinator Bryant Haynes, and defensive backs coach Rod Ojong knew they needed help in the secondary before spring practice. The unexpected transfer of cornerback Kobee Minor made Indiana's need for a defensive back even more pressing. It wasn't difficult for Cignetti and his staff to find more depth at defensive back.
They went back to James Madison to find secondary help. Rising sophomore defensive back D'Angelo Ponds has committed to the Hoosiers. Ponds was a three-star recruit out of Chaminade-Madonna Prep in Hollywood, Florida. He appeared in all 13 games for the Dukes last year, starting ten.
As a freshman, Ponds had 51 tackles, 13 pass breakups, two interceptions, two tackles for loss, and two fumble recoveries. As a result, he earned Freshman All-American Second Team honors. Ponds was also named to the Football Writers Association of America Freshman All-American team. HERO Sports Group of Five named him a Third Team All-American, and he earned Second Team honors in the Sun Belt Conference.
After Ponds entered the portal, Illinois, Boston College, USC, Auburn, Cincinnati, Duke, Miami, Wake Forest, and Tulane were among his suitors in addition to Indiana. He has three years of eligibility remaining.