Summer is here, and it is everyone’s favorite time of the year, scouting time. Every year, we do Summer Scouting to preview college football for Vikings fans, but also give them an idea of names to follow and watch in the fall as needs pop up for Minnesota.
Are we going to write about quarterbacks? You know it, but why? Because other NFL teams will draft them, just as they will draft every other position. It all matters whether these players end up on the Vikings, the Bears, or the Steelers. We write these so Vikings fans can be the most informed fans.
So if you are still with us, enjoy our latest Summer Scouting report as we prepare you for the Fall.
Player Information
Player: D’Angelo Ponds
School: Indiana
Height/Weight: 5-9/170 lbs.
Player Background
– 3-Star Recruit
– Freshman All-American in 2023
– Second-Team All-Sun Belt in 2023
– First-Team All-Big Ten in 2024
– Transferred from James Madison to Indiana
Career Stats Heading into the 2025 Season
– 108 Tackles
– 7 Tackles for a Loss
– 5 Interceptions
– 22 Pass Breakups
Notable PFF Numbers Heading into the 2025 Season
– 79.5 PFF Run Grade
– 87.2 PFF Pass Coverage Grade
– 54 NFL QBR When Targeted
– Called for 10 Penalties
Player Traits
– Tracks the ball well in the air, gets in position to make plays
– Plays tight man coverage
– Used to get in the backfield, showcasing versatility
– Plays a physical style in pass and run support
– Can surprise you with his closing speed/burst
Player Summary
D’Angelo Ponds is somehow flying under the radar in what is proving to be a deep cornerback class for the 2026 NFL Draft. Ponds has good ball skills and instincts that get him in position to make plays time and again in coverage. Despite that, the Hoosiers tend to play him more towards the line of scrimmage and can task him with providing run support more than most cornerbacks. He won’t wow you with his film, but it is simple yet effective football to watch unfold. Look for Ponds to take another big step this fall and make sure you remember him when your friends and family talk about the NFL Draft and cornerbacks.