Miami football transfer target CB D'Angelo Ponds 2023 true freshman All-American
Former James Madison cornerback D'Angelo Ponds, whom the Miami football program reportedly had an in-home visit on Thursday, was a 247Sports 2023 true freshman All-American. Ponds was the 1,966 signee, 170th CB, and 280th recruit in Florida out of Chaminade-Madonna in the 2023 class.
Miami projects Ponds as a slot CB. Adding Ponds would allow Miami to move Washington transfer Mishael Powell back to safety. Powell primarily played slot CB this spring. Ponds had 51 tackles, 2.0 tackles for loss, 2.0 interceptions, 15 pass breakups and two fumble recoveries in 2023.
Ponds had a slew of honors in 2023, including being named the College Football Network Freshman CB of the Year and a second-team All-American by the outlet. Adding Ponds would give Miami a shutdown slot CB. Ponds played in all 13 James Madison games in 2023, with 10 starts.
Twenty-one other programs offered Ponds when he entered the transfer portal per On3. Florida Atlantic is the only other in-state program with an offer to Ponds. Miami will be able to pitch playing time and being the only major program in-state as reasons why Ponds should play for the Hurricanes.
— D’Angelo Ponds (@DangeloPondss) November 30, 2023
"D’Angelo Ponds, CB, James Madison
- Chris Hummer, 247Sports
247Sports Rank: No. 142 CB
It’s hard to play much better as a true freshman cornerback than Ponds did this season. He finished the year with 50 tackles, two TFLs and two INTs while leading all true freshman cornerbacks with 13 passes defended. In addition to making a ton of plays on the ball, Ponds rarely surrendered completions. Opposing passers completed just 46.5% of his passes this season."
Miami returns starting outside CBs Damari Brown and Darryl Porter Jr. The Hurricanes need to add depth at CB. Marshall CB Dyani Hill committed to Miami over the weekend. Miami also returns Robert Stafford who redshirted as a true freshman in 2023. Jaden Harris and Jadais Richard also return for Miami.
Next. Miami adds CB depth with Marshall transfer Dyoni Hill. Miami adds CB depth with Marshall transfer Dyoni Hill. dark
Richard projects as the third CB in the rotation behind Brown and Porter Jr. Despite being a sophomore, Ponds would be one of the most experienced Miami defensive backs. Brown and Ponds would give Miami a pair of sophomores to form a good foundation for the next two years in the secondary.