Upcoming Event: Football versus Liberty on September 5, 2026
FB
James Madison
vs Liberty
James Madison University | Official Athletics Site
Ponds Named CFN Freshman Corner of the Year, Earns Spot on Freshman All-America Team
12/12/2023 10:54:00 AM | Football
HARRISONBURG, Va. – James Madison cornerback D'Angelo Ponds was selected as the 2023 College Football Network Freshman Cornerback of the Year while taking a spot on the Freshman All-America First Team.
Ponds becomes the first JMU player to receive a major FBS freshman award, and it's the second Freshman All-America Team he's been named to, joining On3. He was also named a CFN Second Team All-American earlier this month.
Making nine starts in his 12 games played, the Second Team All-Sun Belt corner ranks tied for fourth nationally with 13 pass breakups, which is tied for the league lead. He's also tied for eighth in FBS and second in the Sun Belt with 15 total passes defended.
On the season, Ponds has accrued 50 tackles, 2.0 tackles for loss, 13 breakups and a pair of interceptions and two fumble recoveries.
The West Park, Fla., native was additionally JMU's first semifinalist for the Shaun Alexander Freshman of the Year Award.
Ponds becomes the first JMU player to receive a major FBS freshman award, and it's the second Freshman All-America Team he's been named to, joining On3. He was also named a CFN Second Team All-American earlier this month.
Making nine starts in his 12 games played, the Second Team All-Sun Belt corner ranks tied for fourth nationally with 13 pass breakups, which is tied for the league lead. He's also tied for eighth in FBS and second in the Sun Belt with 15 total passes defended.
On the season, Ponds has accrued 50 tackles, 2.0 tackles for loss, 13 breakups and a pair of interceptions and two fumble recoveries.
The West Park, Fla., native was additionally JMU's first semifinalist for the Shaun Alexander Freshman of the Year Award.
Players Mentioned
CB
/ FootballJMU Football | Zach Greenberg, Ken Willis and Patrick Rea Media Availability – April 2, 2026
Thursday, April 02
JMU Football | Dave Plungas and Rob Wenger Media Availability – April 2, 2026
Thursday, April 02
JMU Football | Offensive Coordinator Cam Aiken Media Availability - March 31, 2026
Tuesday, March 31
JMU Football | Defensive Coordinator Robert Bala Media Availability – March 31, 2026
Tuesday, March 31
