Isaiah Bond

OVERVIEW

 Bond's 2024 season at Texas has cemented his status as a dynamic playmaker with the versatility to impact games in multiple ways. His ability to stretch the field vertically while also being a threat on shorter routes and even in the run game makes him a scheme-diverse weapon. In the Longhorns' offense, Bond has shown he can be a movable chess piece, creating mismatches from various alignments and forcing defenses to account for his game-breaking speed on every snap. At the next level, Bond projects as a ""Z"" receiver who can be moved around the formation to exploit favorable matchups. His elite short-area quickness and long speed, showcased consistently in 2024, make him a constant big-play threat. His development as a route runner in Sarkisian's pro-style offense bodes well for his transition to the NFL. While his frame may limit his effectiveness as a traditional ""X"" receiver, Bond's skill set is tailor-made for modern spread offenses that prioritize creating space in the open field. Bond's ceiling at the pro level will largely depend on his ability to maintain his explosive play-making ability against NFL-caliber defenders. If he can continue to refine his releases against press coverage and become more consistent in contested catch situations, Bond has the tools to develop into a high-volume target and YAC monster.

 

 BACKGROUND

  Isaiah Bond, a 5-11. 180-pound wideout from Buford, Georgia solidified his status as a top-tier prospect with a breakout 2024 season at Texas. After transferring from Alabama, Bond quickly became a focal point in Steve Sarkisian's high-octane Longhorns offense. Through the first five games of the 2024 campaign, Bond led the team with 20 receptions for 364 yards and 3 touchdowns, averaging an eye-popping 18.2 yards per catch. Bond's impact was immediately felt in Austin, as evidenced by his standout performance against UTSA. In that game, he hauled in all 5 of his targets for 103 yards and 2 touchdowns, including a 51-yard score from backup QB Arch Manning. This outing showcased Bond's big-play ability and his seamless integration into the Texas offense. His explosiveness was further highlighted in the Mississippi State game, where he took an end-around 26 yards for a touchdown, demonstrating his versatility as both a receiver and a rusher. Prior to his transfer, Bond was a key contributor at Alabama. In 2023, he led the Crimson Tide with 48 receptions for 668 yards and 4 touchdowns, including a clutch 31-yard game-winner against Auburn in the Iron Bowl. His freshman campaign in 2022 saw him appear in all 13 games, recording 17 receptions for 220 yards and a touchdown, while also contributing a 34-yard punt return.

ANALYSIS

PROS

Legit burner with track speed to stack corners and blow the top off defenses Sudden accelerator who hits top gear in a flash, creating chunk plays in 2024 (18.2 YPC) Savvy route runner who creates separation at all three levels Soft mitts to pluck the ball away from his frame, evidenced by zero drops in 2024 Dangerous YAC threat with vision to find cutback lanes and wiggle to make defenders miss Versatile chess piece who can align outside, in the slot, or be used on jet sweeps Big-play maker who consistently produces explosive plays (103 yards vs UTSA in 2024) Shows competitive toughness working the middle and contributing as a willing blocker

 CONS

 Undersized frame at 5'11"" and 180 pounds raises Cons about durability and ability to defeat press coverage consistently Lacks ideal length to high-point contested catches or expand catch radius on inaccurate throws Can struggle to maintain balance through contact on routes over the middle of the field Occasional focus drops when trying to run before securing the catch, especially on screens and quick hitters Route-running precision and releases against press coverage still developing as he relies heavily on athletic traits

 HISTORY -- From college bio

A first-year wide receiver who transferred to Texas from Alabama in spring 2024 ... has started in 12 games for the Longhorns this season (missed Vanderbilt, Clemson games due to injury) ... named to the Honorable Mention list fot the Earl Campbell Tyler Rose Award National Player of the Week following his performance vs. UTSA (Sept. 10).

JUNIOR (2024)

Started in the season opener versus Colorado State ... tallied a team-high five receptions for 61 yards (12.2 ypc) and a touchdown ... had one carry for 25 yards against the Rams ... compiled 86 all-purpose yards in the season opener ... started in road win at No. 10/9 Michigan where he corralled three catches for 51 yards, including a 33-yard grab on the opening drive of the game ... assembled a standout performance with five receptions for 103 yards and two touchdowns vs. UTSA, including a first quarter, seven-yard reception from Quinn Ewers and a third quarter, season-long 51-yard touchdown reception from Arch Manning ... it marked his first career 100+ yard receiving effort and his first career multi-touchdown game ... hauled in two catches for 75 yards, including a 56-yard pass from Arch Manning in the first quarter of the 51-3 victory against ULM ... had five catches for 74 yards in the 35-13 win to open SEC play vs. Mississippi State on Sept. 28 ... recorded his first career rushing touchdown on a 26-yard run in the fourth quarter against the Bulldogs ... had one reception for five yards in the victory over No. 18/16 Oklahoma on Oct. 12 … corralled a pair of catches for 11 yards, including a two-yard third quarter touchdown reception and the subsequent two-point conversion pass from Quinn Ewers against No. 5/4 Georgia on Oct.19 ... hauled in three receptions for 55 yards, including a 34 yard touchdown connection with Quinn Ewers in the third quarter of the win vs. Florida on Nov. 9 ... rushed once for 44 yards against the Gators ... responsible for 99 yards of total offense vs. Florida ... snagged four receptions for 48 yards in the road win at Arkansas on Nov. 16 ... reeled in two receptions for 27 yards against Kentucky (Nov. 23) ... posted one reception for 22 yards in the SEC Championship vs. Georgia on Dec. 7 ... missed CFP First Round vs. Clemson due to injury ... was back in action for the CFP Quarterfinal at the Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl vs. Arizona State on Jan. 1.

BEFORE TEXAS
A transfer wide receiver from Alabama … played in 27 games with 12 starts during his career at Alabama, registering 65 catches for 888 yards (13.7 ypr) and five touchdowns over the past two seasons in helping the Crimson Tide to a College Football Playoff semifinals appearance in 2023 and an Allstate Sugar Bowl Championship in 2022 … led Alabama with 48 receptions for 668 yards (13.9 ypr) and four touchdowns in 14 games with 11 starts in 2023 … gathered at least three catches in each of the last seven games, and pulled in at least four receptions five of the last six … selected as one of the Alabama coaching staff's offensive players of the week for his performance against Middle Tennessee, Texas A&M, Kentucky and Auburn. Middle Tennessee: Led all wideouts with five receptions and 76 yards while adding one touchdown ... had a long reception of 47 yards against the Blue Raiders. Texas: Recorded one catch for 34 yards and a first down across his four targets on the night. USF: Totaled 42 yards on his team-leading four receptions. Ole Miss: Caught one of his three targets for a gain of 10 yards and a first down. Mississippi State: Recorded one catch for a gain of 17 yards in Starkville. Texas A&M: Hauled in seven of his nine targets for 96 yards and a touchdown ... converted five first downs to go with a 52-yard score ... averaged 13.7 yards per reception with his 52-yarder representing the long play by either team. Arkansas: Caught one pass for a gain of eight yards. Tennessee: Led the Tide wideouts with 77 yards and one score across his three catches ... converted a pair of first downs to go with his 46-yard touchdown. LSU: Recorded five receptions for 60 yards, both team-high marks ... had a long gain of 21 while converting three first downs on the night. Kentucky: Hauled in two receptions for 24 yards while adding one rush for a gain of three ... converted two first downs with a long reception of 17. Chattanooga: Accumulated 23 yards across his team-high four receptions. Auburn: Caught five of his eight targets for 75 yards and a touchdown ... hauled in the 31-yard go-ahead touchdown with 32 seconds left to lift the Tide to an Iron Bowl victory ... also converted a pair of first downs to go with his scoring play. Georgia: Converted a first down on each of his team-high five receptions totaling 79 yards. Michigan: Led the Tide receivers with four catches for 47 yards … in 2022, Bond saw time in all 13 games with one start, splitting time at receiver and on special teams, totaling 17 receptions for 220 yards and a touchdown. He had season highs of four catches against Auburn and 76 receiving yards at Arkansas, while notching his first career receiving touchdown against Kansas State in the Sugar Bowl … Utah State: Saw his first collegiate action ... finished with two catches for 23 yards with a long of 13. Texas: Targeted once in the game but did not record a reception. ULM: Returned one punt for a gain of 34 yards. Vanderbilt: Caught two passes for 13 yards and converted one first down. Arkansas: Ranked second in receiving yards with 76 across his two receptions ... converted a pair of first downs with a long catch of 53 yards. Texas A&M: Rotated in at wideout and on special teams. Tennessee: Made his first career start for the Tide ... caught two passes for 39 yards in Knoxville. Mississippi State: Hauled in one pass for eight yards. LSU: Rotated in at wideout while also working on special teams against the Tigers. Ole Miss: Earned snaps on offense and special teams in Oxford. Austin Peay: Recorded three catches for 19 yards on the day. Auburn: Tied for the team-high total in receptions with four totaling 36 yards. Kansas State: Caught one pass for a six-yard touchdown and the Tide's first score of the day.

HIGH SCHOOL
A prep All-American and unanimous four-star prospect who helped Buford to three consecutive Georgia AAAAAA state titles from 2020-22 ... tabbed as the No. 72 ranked player on the On300 list in On3's rankings ... also listed as the No. 60 prospect in the On3 Consensus ... No. 51 on the 247Composite, the site's No. 2 athlete and No. 5 player in the state of Georgia ... No. 42 on the Top247 list and rated as 247Sports' No. 2 athlete and No. 5 player in the state ... the No. 70 prospect on the Rivals250, the No. 11 wide receiver and No. 5 player in Georgia ... No. 71 on the ESPN300, the No. 7 receiver, the No. 36 recruit in the Southeast Region and No. 9 player in the state ... On3 ranks Bond as the No. 12 receiver and No. 7 player from Georgia ... selected to the All-American Bowl in San Antonio, Texas ... named 6A All-State by the Georgia Football Coaches Association in 2021 …

2022

receiving
REC	YPR	TD	LONG	YDS
17.0	12.9	1.0	53.0	220.0

fumbles
REC	LOST	FUM
0.0	1.0	1.0

puntReturns
AVG	NO	TD	LONG	YDS
34.0	1.0	0.0	34.0	34.0