JMU football didn’t have any players invited to the NFL scouting combine, but three well-known former Dukes were in attendance. Indiana’s D’Angelo Ponds, Aiden Fisher, and Elijah Sarratt all attended the event, participating in limited events.

All three are expected NFL draft picks. Here’s a closer look at their draft stock and combine results.

D’Angelo Ponds, CB

Ponds’ most notable achievement was a 43.5-inch vertical jump, the best mark of all cornerbacks. That’s particularly important given his lack of height. In theory, Ponds could reduce some of those concerns because of his elite vertical jump, as his ability to elevate helps him play against taller receivers. He plans to run the 40-yard dash at Indiana’s Pro Day.

He showed inconsistent hands during the on-field workout by dropping several passes, but Ponds has three seasons of quality film, including two at the Big Ten level. A national champion, Ponds has shown an ability to produce against elite-level competition. He’ll be drafted, with his size likely the reason he’ll probably be a Day 2 selection rather than Day 1.

ESPN’s Mel Kiper Jr. named Ponds one of the standouts of the combine.

“Ponds’ 43 ½-inch vertical tied for fifth best among cornerbacks at the combine since at least 2003, per ESPN Research,” he wrote. “That’s the second-best vert for any player under 5-foot-10 in that same span (behind Chris McKenzie). Elite explosion.

“He didn’t run the 40-yard dash or participate in the broad jump, but that vertical jump will make NFL front offices take a long look at him in the second round. I’d be shocked if Ponds gets out of Round 2. He had seven interceptions and 27 pass breakups over three seasons, and he was at his best in big games for the national champion Hoosiers. Ponds is tough as nails, too. He’s a real baller who I’d love to have in the slot on my team.”

Ponds played one season at JMU, making 52 tackles and intercepting two passes while on the 2023 team.

Aiden Fisher, LB

Fisher spoke at the combine and met with teams, but he plans to work out at Indiana’s Pro Day. Fisher wanted a longer buildup to workouts after his team ended the season in mid January. He’ll have a few more weeks to prepare for Pro Day.

Fisher is a near lock to be drafted, although most projections have him as a Day 3 prospect (rounds 4-7). The physical linebacker played two seasons at JMU before becoming a star at Indiana. He had 108 tackles for the Dukes in 2023.

“I wanted to play against the best, and I wanted to be the best,” Fisher said this past week when describing his decision to transfer. “I had to play against them to play with them.”

Elijah Sarratt, WR

Like Fisher, Sarratt was mostly in Indianapolis to connect with teams. He’s a likely top-100 pick. His lack of speed and separation skills hurt his stock, while his reliable hands and contested catch success make him an NFL prospect. He’s a smart route runner with good awareness, who could find a role within the right offense. His production often seems to outmatch his athletic traits.

Sarratt played for the Dukes in 2023, catching 82 passes for 1,191 yards and eight touchdowns. He was similarly productive in the Big Ten, bringing in 23 touchdowns over two seasons with the Hoosiers. He was particularly clutch during his college career, coming down with key third-down conversions and touchdowns in tight games.

“In those big moments, I want that pressure on my shoulders,” Sarratt said at the combine. “Whether I catch it or drop it, I want that pressure on my shoulders. All those third downs, all those money downs, I want that pressure. I feel like that’s what separates me.”

Photo courtesy of JMU Athletics Communications