Well-known for his speed, Isaiah Bond also brings physicality to Alabama offense

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. – Isaiah Bond didn’t hesitate when he was asked the question.

“Yes sir, I would say I’m the fastest guy on the team,” the Alabama wide receiver replied.

Bond has been one of Crimson Tide quarterback Jalen Milroe’s favorite targets this season. He is tied with Jermaine Burton for the team lead in catches with 23 and has turned those into 360 yards and three touchdowns. In his second year in the program, Bond has taken on a larger role and has seen the Alabama passing game grow, alongside his own, this season.

“I definitely feel like it’s improved,” said Bond in his media room debut on Wednesday. “Obviously, coming from a quarterback last year like Bryce Young, who was the No. 1 pick in the draft to Jalen Milroe, obviously, he’s shown great improvement. Just getting better every season. I believe in Jalen Milroe and I believe in where this team can go in a couple weeks.”

Bond’s chemistry with Milroe has been on display this season, but it is a direct result of the work the two – and other members of UA’s receiving corps – put in this summer during a week of training in Tampa. That connection has “progressed a lot” and has helped the Tide’s downfield passing, where Milroe ranks second nationally at 10.6 yards per pass attempt.

“I think honestly just the raw talent that Jalen Milroe has to be able to throw the ball deep,” Bond said. “Obviously, physical look-wise, you see he’s a bigger dude, bigger quarterback and also he has great receivers as well, that’s able to stretch the field so it’s a tale of two ends.”

Bond shared his mindset whenever offensive coordinator Tommy Rees dials up a deep shot.

“My mindset on a deep route is literally just run as fast as I can down the field and just put my trust in Jalen Milroe to get the ball out there, honestly,” Bond said. “Because I know I believe in myself as well just to go out there and make plays, so just getting to the spot at the right time. Timing is a big part that plays into deep passes, as well.”

Does the sophomore wideout get more excited when he knows he’s running a deeper route?

“Honestly, I’m excited to play every single down,” Bond said. “But obviously, you do get a little more excited, I guess you can say, when a pass is coming. But I’m just excited all the time when I’m on the field playing for the University of Alabama.”

Bond finished last week’s 34-20 win over Tennessee as Alabama’s top receiver with 77 yards on three catches and a touchdown. The scoring play occurred on the second offensive play of the third quarter as Bond got behind the Vols’ defense and hauled in a 46-yard pass from Milroe to cut the visiting team’s lead to 20-14. He shared his mindset on that specific play.

“My mama always told me when I was young, ‘Big-time players make big-time plays,’” Bond said. “So it’s going out there and just believing in my training I’ve done my whole life and just knowing I’m capable of going there and making a play to change this game is really what stuck with me.”

Bond is known for his elite speed, having won the Georgia 6A 100-meter (10.51) and 200-meter (21.19) state titles as a junior at Buford (Ga.) High School. But he has also shown off a physical side of his game this season. Most recently, he trucked Tennessee’s Kamal Hadden on his way to moving the chains, lowering his shoulder rather than avoiding the contact.

While he will continue to be a downfield threat, he also takes pride in being physical.

“Coming from the South, I’m from Georgia, physicality is kind of something that’s instilled in you young,” Bond said. “So even though you might say I’m not the biggest wide receiver, I play as if I was 6-4, 200 pounds. So just going out there and playing big is the most key part.”

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