Ponds Named a Semifinalist for Shaun Alexander Freshman of the Year Award

SOUTHAMPTON, Pa. – James Madison cornerback D'Angelo Ponds was selected as one of 14 semifinalists for the sixth annual Shaun Alexander Freshman of the Year Award, as announced Wednesday by the Maxwell Football Club.

The Shaun Alexander Award is presented annually to the outstanding freshman player in college football.

Ponds becomes the first JMU student-athletes to be named a semifinalist for the accolade.

This season, Ponds has racked up 29 total tackles with one tackle for loss, one interception and a team-high 11 pass breakups. He also recovered a blocked punt for a touchdown in his second career game at Virginia.

Nationally, Ponds ranks tied for fifth in the Football Bowl Subdivision with 1.25 pass breakups per game and tied for sixth with 1.4 passes defended per outing. He's started five of eight games this season as a true freshman and has recorded all 12 passes defended (11 PBU, 1 INT) over his past six games.

The Shaun Alexander Freshman of the Year Award has been presented since 2018, with former winners including Trevor Lawrence (Clemson), Kenneth Gainwell (Memphis), Will Anderson (Alabama), Brock Bowers (Georgia) and Drake Maye (North Carolina).

Finalists for the award will be announced Nov. 29, and the winner will be announced on Dec. 27. The formal presentation of the award will be made at the Maxwell Football Club Awards in March 2024.

Shaun Alexander Freshman of the Year Award Semifinalists
Nic Anderson, Oklahoma, Wide Receiver
Rueben Bain, Miami, Defensive End
Peyton Bowen, Oklahoma, Safety
Parker Brailsford, Washington, Offensive Line
Zachariah Branch, USC, Wide Receiver
Kevin Concepcion, NC State, Wide Receiver
Caleb Downs, Alabama, Safety
Anthony Hill, Texas, Linebacker
Jalon Kilgore, South Carolina, Safety
Javante Mackey, Arkansas State, Linebacker
T.J. Parker, Clemson, Defensive End
D'Angelo Ponds, JMU, Cornerback
Dillon Thieneman, Purdue, Safety
Taurean York, Texas A&M, Linebacker

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