Miami Connection: Toney and Pons Face Off

MIAMI — It’s funny to think back to when they were both quarterbacks—Malachi Toney, a promising freshman receiver for Miami, and D’Angelo Pons, an outstanding junior cornerback from Indiana. This was a long time ago, back in my youth football days with the Washington Park Buccaneers. Even though they never faced each other on the field back then, Pons was three years older but they were familiar with one another.

“We were both Little League quarterbacks,” Pons reminisced at the Miami Beach Convention Center. “I think he probably looked up to me a bit because of that. He’s always had that spark, that talent.”

Fast forward to Monday night, and both players shared the field for the first time, finally able to go head-to-head.

It’s fair to say, they both had standout seasons.

Toney earned the title of ACC Rookie of the Year, playing a pivotal role in the Hurricanes’ remarkable journey to the national championship game. He led Miami with 99 receptions, 1,089 receiving yards, and nine touchdown catches—records for a freshman at Miami.

Pons, for his part, was integral to Indiana’s impressive No. 2 scoring defense, tallying two interceptions and knocking down seven passes. His interception returned for a touchdown during the Peach Bowl’s opening play set a commanding tone for Indiana’s victory over Oregon State in the semifinals.

Pons, a consensus All-American, shared his excitement about facing Toney: “I’m really looking forward to it. He’s a talented player, and I have a lot of respect for him. Competing against top talent is something I always enjoy.”

While Pons stopped playing quarterback in high school, claiming he preferred the thrill of defense, Toney found his calling as a receiver, relishing the opportunity to score touchdowns rather than throw them. Interestingly, Hurricanes quarterback Carson Beck believes his background as a former quarterback gives Toney an edge.

“Honestly, I’ve only ever played with two quarterbacks: Rad McConkie and Malachi Toney. They’re both phenomenal to throw to,” Beck noted. “They really get my perspective on the game.”

Beck continued, “Toney’s maturity stands out. He comes in, does his job, and it’s all about the ball for him. We just need to make sure he isn’t living at the facility.”

Of the duo, Toney stands at 5-foot-11, making him the more prominent prospect, achieving four-star status during high school. Pons, on the other hand, transitioned from James Madison to Indiana to follow coach Curt Cignetti.

As they prepared to greet one another on the field that night, it struck them both how far they had come. Now, these two kids from Miami found themselves blocking each other’s path to a championship.

Pons reflected, “I used to watch so many games at that stadium as a kid. It’s surreal being so close to the stadium in my hometown, a place I drove past every day on my way to school. It really feels like a full circle moment.”