Cal Poly football defensive end signs with Patriots as undrafted free agent

Cal Poly football defensive end Elijah Ponder will get a chance to make an NFL roster after signing with the New England Patriots as an undrafted free agent.

As a Mustang, Ponder earned two First Team All-Big Sky Selections and ranks third in program history with 27 sacks. He finished his career first in quarterback hurries (44) and fifth in tackles for loss (43.5).

Ponder was named a FCS Third Team All-American in 2023 after compiling 10 sacks and 13 tackles for loss that season.

The Pomona native was a two-star linebacker prospect coming out of Bishop Amat in Southern California.

While slightly undersized for his position, he made up for it with his quick first step and overall awareness of the game.

Ponder is the third player to sign with an NFL team as an undrafted free agent since 2020.

Chris Coleman signed with the Miami Dophins in 2023, and J.J. Koski joined the Los Angeles Rams in 2020.

This story was originally published April 27, 2025 at 1:32 PM.