Ponds Named to Lott Trophy Preseason Watch List
6/5/2024 10:00:00 AM | Football
BLOOMINGTON, Ind. – After earning Freshman All-America honors as a true freshman at James Madison in 2023, transfer defensive back D'Angelo Ponds is the first Indiana football student-athlete to earn preseason honors as the Lott IMPACT Trophy has named him to its preseason watchlist.
As a true freshman in 2023, Ponds appeared in 13 games with 10 starts and was tabbed a Freshman All-American by the Football Writers Association of America and was a semifinalist for the Shaun Alexander Freshman of the Year Award. He was a second-team All-Sun Belt pick after he posted 13 pass breakups and two interceptions. His 15 passes defended ranked No. 11 in the FBS, and he finished with 51 tackles – 32 solo – to go along with 2.0 sacks.
Ponds made his collegiate debut against Bucknell in Week 1 and scored a touchdown off of a blocked punt in Week 2 at Virginia. In Week 4, he made his first collegiate start came at Utah State in Week 4 which was accompanied by his first collegiate interception against the Aggies. He broke up at least one pass in eight games and added a second interception versus Appalachian State. Overall, he posted four takeaways, with two fumble recoveries and two interceptions.
The Lott IMPACT Trophy is presented by the The Pacific Club IMPACT Foundation and is in its 21st season. The 42-man preseason watchlist is comprised of 18 defensive backs, 13 defensive linemen and 11 linebackers, which includes 12 Big Ten student-athletes.
The award is the only major college football award that considers character. Named after former NFL Hall of Fame star Ronnie Lott, the Lott Trophy annually goes to the Defensive IMPACT Player of the Year, a player who has had the biggest impact on his team both on and off the field. IMPACT stands for Integrity, Maturity, Performance, Academics, Community and Tenacity, all characteristics exhibited by Lott during his illustrious playing career.
The annual winner is selected by a national voter panel, consisting of former winners, members of the media, coaches, and members of the Board of Directors of The IMPACT Foundation. The winner will be announced at a gala, black-tie event at The Pacific Club in Newport Beach, California, on December 8.
As a true freshman in 2023, Ponds appeared in 13 games with 10 starts and was tabbed a Freshman All-American by the Football Writers Association of America and was a semifinalist for the Shaun Alexander Freshman of the Year Award. He was a second-team All-Sun Belt pick after he posted 13 pass breakups and two interceptions. His 15 passes defended ranked No. 11 in the FBS, and he finished with 51 tackles – 32 solo – to go along with 2.0 sacks.
Ponds made his collegiate debut against Bucknell in Week 1 and scored a touchdown off of a blocked punt in Week 2 at Virginia. In Week 4, he made his first collegiate start came at Utah State in Week 4 which was accompanied by his first collegiate interception against the Aggies. He broke up at least one pass in eight games and added a second interception versus Appalachian State. Overall, he posted four takeaways, with two fumble recoveries and two interceptions.
The Lott IMPACT Trophy is presented by the The Pacific Club IMPACT Foundation and is in its 21st season. The 42-man preseason watchlist is comprised of 18 defensive backs, 13 defensive linemen and 11 linebackers, which includes 12 Big Ten student-athletes.
The award is the only major college football award that considers character. Named after former NFL Hall of Fame star Ronnie Lott, the Lott Trophy annually goes to the Defensive IMPACT Player of the Year, a player who has had the biggest impact on his team both on and off the field. IMPACT stands for Integrity, Maturity, Performance, Academics, Community and Tenacity, all characteristics exhibited by Lott during his illustrious playing career.
The annual winner is selected by a national voter panel, consisting of former winners, members of the media, coaches, and members of the Board of Directors of The IMPACT Foundation. The winner will be announced at a gala, black-tie event at The Pacific Club in Newport Beach, California, on December 8.
Players Mentioned
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