Quoted: Fall Camp Edition - James Evans & D'Angelo Ponds
8/6/2024 1:00:00 PM | Football
BLOOMINGTON, Ind. ––– As the second week of fall camp continued, senior punter James Evans and sophomore D'Angelo Ponds addressed the media inside Memorial Stadium on Tuesday (August 6).
Below is a partial transcript of the press conference, while video of the media sessions can be found on the right sidebar at IUHoosiers.com.
James Evans | Sr. | P
On his leadership role going into the season…
JE: The biggest thing is being more vocal. I've always tried to do the right thing, lead by example, and how I conduct myself as far as my preparation while also trying to stay busy, while supporting the young guys and leading by example.
On his growth from his freshman year…
JE: My first year everything was new to me. And with having good guys and good players around me, and getting experience in games and practice, I think I just grew mentally. I don't think there's a tremendous difference as far as my physical ability from year one to year four. But I think, mentally as far as my preparation, my routine, and the kind of confidence I bring to every game, it has definitely evolved positively.
On the transition from switching coaches…
JE: It's been really good. Schematically for me, it's a slight change, but more or less, the kick types are the same. So, it hasn't been too great of a difference. I've really liked working with Coach (Grant) Cain so far. In December, when he was appointed as special teams coordinator, I reached out to a few of his older specialists he had in the past and they all spoke very fondly of him, so it's been a great experience so far.
D'Angelo Ponds | So. | DB
On his mindset that sets him up for success…
DP: My mindset is to just come in and take it one day at a time. Get 1% better, just be the best version of myself and just find a way to get better because that's what separates me.
On how he adjusted as a freshman and now adjusting to a new school…
DP: I feel like coming in as a freshman you definitely have to earn your stripes and show everybody that you can come in and play and that's what I did, so now I'm here.
On gelling with the other guys in the secondary…
DP: I think it's coming along well we've just got to focus on communicating and that's what we're working on now and we're coming on pretty good now.
Below is a partial transcript of the press conference, while video of the media sessions can be found on the right sidebar at IUHoosiers.com.
James Evans | Sr. | P
On his leadership role going into the season…
JE: The biggest thing is being more vocal. I've always tried to do the right thing, lead by example, and how I conduct myself as far as my preparation while also trying to stay busy, while supporting the young guys and leading by example.
On his growth from his freshman year…
JE: My first year everything was new to me. And with having good guys and good players around me, and getting experience in games and practice, I think I just grew mentally. I don't think there's a tremendous difference as far as my physical ability from year one to year four. But I think, mentally as far as my preparation, my routine, and the kind of confidence I bring to every game, it has definitely evolved positively.
On the transition from switching coaches…
JE: It's been really good. Schematically for me, it's a slight change, but more or less, the kick types are the same. So, it hasn't been too great of a difference. I've really liked working with Coach (Grant) Cain so far. In December, when he was appointed as special teams coordinator, I reached out to a few of his older specialists he had in the past and they all spoke very fondly of him, so it's been a great experience so far.
D'Angelo Ponds | So. | DB
On his mindset that sets him up for success…
DP: My mindset is to just come in and take it one day at a time. Get 1% better, just be the best version of myself and just find a way to get better because that's what separates me.
On how he adjusted as a freshman and now adjusting to a new school…
DP: I feel like coming in as a freshman you definitely have to earn your stripes and show everybody that you can come in and play and that's what I did, so now I'm here.
On gelling with the other guys in the secondary…
DP: I think it's coming along well we've just got to focus on communicating and that's what we're working on now and we're coming on pretty good now.
Players Mentioned
P
/ Football
DB
/ FootballFB: Aiden Fisher - at Iowa Postgame Press Conference (09/27/25)
Saturday, September 27
FB: Fernando Mendoza & Elijah Sarratt - at Iowa Postgame Press Conference (09/27/25)
Saturday, September 27
FB: Pat Coogan - at Iowa Postgame Press Conference (09/27/25)
Saturday, September 27
FB: Week 5 (at Iowa) - Curt Cignetti Post Game Press Conference
Saturday, September 27