SAN LUIS OBISPO – Cal Poly football senior defensive end Elijah Ponder adds yet another accolade for himself ahead of the 2024 season as he earned a spot on the FCS Central All- American Second Team Defense list.

After a 10-sack season last year, Ponder was also named to the Walter Camp FCS All-American Team as well as an FCS Football Central Third-Team All-American following the season.

Ponder was one of just four defensive ends chosen, and there is no surprise why. Just last season he led the Big Sky and was fifth in the FCS in Sacks with 10 which is the ninth highest total for sacks in a single season in program history.

He also ended the year with 52 Tackles, 13 Tackles for loss, and 17 quarterback hurries which tied the program record for most in a season. In the season opener against San Diego, he posted a season high nine tackles and three sacks.

Heading into his final season, Ponder ranks seventh all-time in career sacks in school history.

FCS Football Central was formed last year after a merger between Sports Illustrated/Fan Nation and The Bluebloods. This is the third national honor for Ponder in his career.

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