Ponce Deleon: 2022 Pro Prospect Interview
Name: Ponce Deleon
School: Shepherd University
Position: DB/FS/SS/SC
Height: 5’9”
Weight: 185
What goals did you set and/or accomplish in your final collegiate season?
At the beginning of the season my goal was to have all American and also have a record 17 career interceptions. I was able to gain 1st in my conference and 2nd team in my region and ending my college career with 11 interceptions.
Q: How do you think you took advantage of the extra year of eligibility to increase your chances of going pro?
This extra year was helpful for me because, I was able to develop myself into a real “versatile” football player playing multiple positions. My biggest accomplishment is being a safety but training like a corner, in doing this I felt like I helped show that I can play press and off man technique. In the league you are most useful when you have many abilities.
Q: What would your coaches and teammates say about the type of player you are?
It’s something that you would have to ask them because I want to make sure I’m always humble. But I would hope they would say I was a leader who worked hard and made sure I knew the defense in and out. That I always expected 110% effort, and that I always put the team first.
Q: When you are studying film, what are the things you focus on to improve your game?
Watching film on other teams, I look at multiple things like tendencies, effort, speed, technique, hand signs, injuries, pros and cons about the players. To go in-depth how does this player line up, what’s their landmark for this route or who is the Qb reading, how does he act when he is under pressure or his first read is gone. Watching film on myself, I look at mostly technique. Am I false stepping, are my feet to wide on my break, what angle am I taking to get to my destination. Where are my eyes before, during and after the play. I always have a list I go off of ( Alignment, assignment, technique, effort and communication). These are the things I go off of when watching film. I also look at other football players in the NFL to see what they would do in this situation.
Q: What separates you from the other pro prospects at your position?
My fast pace of learning, sense of urgency, field awareness, and consistency separates me from other players. As well as my versatility, through the season and my college career I have played every position except 3-tech and nose guard. I have an interception in every safety position (FS/SS/ Star as well as inside linebacker).You can plug me in anywhere and I’ll succeed because of my instincts and knowledge of the game.
Q: What is your offseason plan to train and prepare for professional opportunities?
This season I will be working out with my trainer, his name is Myron Flowers ( ig: @360fitperformance). As well as Coach Bo (ig: @dbsensi). I believe and know that these two trainers will help my pro opportunities.
Q: What kind of strengths and abilities will you bring to a team that will stand out both on and off the field?
I would say leadership on and off the field as well as bringing the best out of my teammates. The dedication to the film room leads to me making plays on the field. Being able to play many positions as well as slot corner and high safety and box safety. Coaches have told me that I have tendency on being around the ball to make a play, that being a TFL or INT. And being a great open field tackler(93) in a season.
Q: What is your final pitch to the NFL and any other pro leagues?
I’m used to having new coaches and with that comes different things to get used to. Personalities, plays, and a new system. Joining your organization will not be a change for me but yet another home. I operate like I have something to prove because I do, my whole life I’ve been considered the “underdog” this motivates me so much because there’s nothing better then proving the doubters wrong and showing what hard work and dedication breeds. No matter what team I am on I will be the hardest worker because I know what’s at stake.
