Cincinnati Recruiting: Defensive End Elijah Ponder Signs With The UC Bearcats

Two-star defensive end Elijah Ponder has officially signed with the Cincinnati Bearcats for their 2016 recruiting class on National Signing Day.

Here’s a snippet from his full recruiting profile.

OVERVIEW

Already 255 lbs, Ponder is clearly already physically ready to take his game to the next level. But what will keep him successful there is that explosiveness off the edge. Ponder has an unusual stance, back arched like a runner in the blocks, but by George it works for him, allowing him to overwhelm offensive tackles and turn the corner to attack the quarterback in a flash. He’s got a nastiness about him, where he not only tackles the quarterback or ball carrier but makes them feel it in the worst way. That’s the kind of attitude you want to see out of your defensive linemen.

Ponder’s best asset is his size and speed but he tends to do a nice job with his hands breaking out of blocks. While his highlight reel shows him unblocked on several plays, and I can’t for the life of me understand why opposing coaches would allow that, but on those where he is engaged with linemen he does a nice job shedding them. Overall, this is yet another well-rounded prospect with the building blocks to thrive at the collegiate level.

OUTLOOK

A redshirt more than likely but it’ll be interesting to see where Robert Prunty places him along the line. He has the size and speed to be a defensive end at Cincinnati, sure, but could easily tack on 40 lbs and play defensive tackle, potentially nose guard. Ponder’s physicality and nose for the football could make him a namesake along the line, where ever he plays. But for 2016 with basically everyone except Silverberry Mouhon returning, he’ll have to sit out the season.