8/5/2023 football Edit

Film Analysis: 2024 WR Dallen Ponder

Derrick Deen • InsideHilltopperSports

Staff Writer

@derrick_deen

Name: Dallen Ponder

Position: WR

Class: 2024

Height/Weight: 5'10", 176

High School/Previous School: Vanguard High School (Ocala, Florida)

Speed is the name of the game for the Hilltoppers 2024 recruiting class, and that's exactly what newly committed wide receiver Dallen Ponder brings to the table.

Reigning from Vanguard High School, the Ocala, Florida native becomes another vital piece in the first recruiting class being actively assembled by new offensive coordinator Drew Hollingshead to fit both the vision of his Air Raid scheme and the intangibles that receivers coach Michael Spurlock is looking for.

STRENGTHS:

• Speed, Speed, Speed: Ponder is quick. His straight line speed is far and above his competition, as he's able to both stretch the field and force defensive backs into tough situations immediately with his acceleration.

• Threat with the ball: When the ball is in Ponders hands, he moves like a speedy running back with excellent twitch and footwork. His abilities in short space and tight windows is exceptional.

• Focus: Looks the ball and really makes the catch the most important facet of every route. He's able to look in deep balls and snag zippy balls effortlessly.

• Route Running: His footwork is advanced. Tag on his acceleration and in-play twitch, and you've got a receiver that can put defenders in tough situations on every break, and Ponder does that really well. His quick routes in the slot, red zone, and short yardage situations are dangerous with the added plus of splash-play potential.

• Middle of Field (MoF) Abilities: Every dangerous slot receiver is able to make life hard for defenders in the middle of the field, especially in the traffic that is the free safety, hovering linebacker, and the corner he's taking along for the ride. Ponder abilities in tight windows and quick passes in traffic and over the middle is above average.

• Everything is Quick!: From his get off, to the breaks in his route, to the catch, to securing the ball and taking it up the field - Ponder is just an all around quick football player with textbook technique and exceptional in-play processing.

ROOM FOR IMPROVEMENT:

• Tends to push to the boundary when he has the ball early. I would like to see him trust his field vision and look to for more holes in defense, as he has the speed to break for it.

• Can be reckless with the football when taking it from the backfield or in the screen game. Should look to secure the ball and work with it that way.

Overall, Ponder is a massively underrated asset in the Tops 2024 class and will be a productive piece in the Hollingshead offense. Outstanding commitment for this class and receivers room.

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