Three IU football players rated among top ten defensive transfers in the country

The IU football defense will look a lot different this fall than it did a season ago. New head coach Curt Cignetti and his staff not only have implemented a brand new scheme, but they have also brought several talented players that will make an impact on that side of the football.

Three of them found themselves graded inside the top ten for defensive transfer in college football according to Pro Football Focus.

Cornerback D’Angelo Ponds, defensive lineman CJ West, and defensive back Shawn Asbury II all found themselves inside the top ten according to PFF.

RELATED: Pair of spring transfers for Indiana football rated among top-returning CBs in Big Ten

Former James Madison corner D’Angelo Ponds was a late addition, but a much-needed one with the IU Football secondary looking thin. Ponds was a freshman All-American last season after recording 52 tackles, 12 pass deflections, two interceptions, and a fumble recovery.

The 5-foot-9 corner had a grade of 89.7 which placed him third on the list and second among cornerbacks. As a sophomore, Ponds will likely play a big role for IU Football and Bryant Haines’ defense.

Next on the list for the Hoosiers was former Kent State defensive lineman CJ West. West was seventh on the list with a grade of 85.9. West was a 2023 All-MAC selection after making 40 tackles, seven tackles for loss, and two sacks.

The 6-foot-2 330-pound defensive lineman spent four years with Kent State and appeared in 39 games during this career and he totaled 110 tackles, 19.5 tackles for a loss, and seven sacks for his career. West will have a big opportunity to make a huge impact on IU football this fall.

The last Hoosier on the list is former Old Dominion defensive back Shawn Asbury II. Asbury II came in ninth on the list with a grade of 83.4.

Asbury II is coming off a big season where he was named a Sun Belt Honorable Mention after recording 93 tackles including six tackles for loss. He also had four pass breakups and an interception in 12 games.

In his two seasons with Old Dominion, Asbury II played in 23 games and totaled 125 tackles, 9.5 tackles for loss, two interceptions, and six pass breakups.

With one year of eligibility left, Asbury II will get the chance to play a big role for IU Football.

SEE ALSO: Early projections see Indiana football landing in Bowl Game in 2024

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