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WhenIsaiah Bond left Alabama for Texas, the college football world took notice. The former Crimson Tide receiver had just finished a solid sophomore season, leading the team with 48 catches for 668 yards and four touchdowns. But when legendary head coach Nick Saban shocked the sport by announcing his retirement, Bond knew he had a big decision to make.
"I went to Alabama for Coach Saban," Bond said recently at the NFL Combine. "I have a lot of respect and love for that guy, but with him gone, I had to think about what was best for me."
A fresh start in Austin
Rather than stick around to see how Alabama would rebuild under new leadership, Bond entered the transfer portal and found a familiar face waiting for him-Texas head coach Steve Sarkisian.
Sarkisian had recruited Bond heavily in high school, and when the opportunity arose to reunite, it made perfect sense. The Longhorns were coming off a strong season, and Sark's offensive system gave Bond a chance to thrive.
"I already knew what kind of coach he was," Bond said. "We had that relationship from before, so it felt natural."
That familiarity paid off. Bond played in 14 games for Texas, racking up 540 yards and five touchdowns. More importantly, he helped lead the Longhorns to the College Football Playoff semifinals before they fell to eventual national champion Ohio State.
Speed, skill, and an NFL Future
Now, Bond is taking the next step-preparing for the NFL Draft. His confidence was on full display at the Combine, where he promised to beat former Texas star Xavier Worthy's 40-yard dash record of 4.21 seconds. He didn't quite get there, but his 4.39-second sprint was still one of the fastest times at the event.
While he may not have set a record, scouts took notice of his speed, explosiveness, and ability to make plays. He's currently projected as a second-round pick, with plenty of receiver-needy teams expected to take a serious look at him.
As for his time at Alabama, Bond insists there are no hard feelings. "It's all love," he reiterated. "I fought with my brothers there for two years. That experience will always mean something to me."
From Tuscaloosa to Austin, and now to the NFL, Isaiah Bond's journey is just getting started.