After signing with the New England Patriots as an , Cal Poly football’s Elijah Ponder has made the final 53-man roster.

“He's probably the most athletic defensive end that I've ever coached. I've coached in line for 25 years," said Will Plemons, Cal Poly Defensive Line and Assistant Head Coach.

As an undrafted free agent, Ponder now becomes the first Mustang to make a 53-man roster since JJ Koski did it with the Rams in 2021.

“Knowing him and just knowing how he has been since high school, it's been a benefit for me," said longtime teammate on the defensive line Ethan Rodriguez. "Just seeing how disciplined and just how his work ethic is at that level, it wasn't a surprise to me.”

Rodriguez shared the defensive line with Ponder while at Cal Poly. They also attended Bishop Amat High Sch

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