'Business Decision': Isaiah Bond Explains Ignoring Contact From New Alabama Coach Kalen DeBoer Before Texas Commitment
Once Nick Saban left Tuscaloosa, there was no hope of the Alabama Crimson Tide holding on to star wide receiver Isaiah Bond.
"One hundred percent," Bond told ESPN when asked if Saban's retirement played a role in his decision. "That was the decision why I left."
In fact, per that same ESPN report from Pete Thamel, he never even gave the Tide a chance to retain his services, with Bond electing to ignore the efforts of new Alabama coach Kalen DeBoer, who attempted to contact the receiver after accepting the job.
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For lack of a better term, Bond 'ghosted' DeBoer, instead, electing to go all in with Steve Sarkisian, who recruited him heavily out of Buford High School in Georgia before he decided to sign with Alabama.
Said Thamel:
"Bond said new Alabama coach Kalen DeBoer reached out and that he didn't get back to him. Bond said Sarkisian recruited him hard to Texas out of high school and they regained that connection quickly this weekend. He said Sarkisian, who is Texas' offensive playcaller, is one of the best offensive minds in college football.
Bond was also later seen at Lamborghini Austin, who has partnered with multiple Texas athletes - including Bijan Robinson - for NIL deals.
Now, Alabama's loss is Texas' major gain, and it couldn't have come at a better time.
The Horns lost their top four pass catchers Xavier Worthy, Jordan Whittington, Adonai Mitchell and Ja'Tavion Sanders to the NFL Draft following the Sugar Bowl loss, and have been doing everything they can to replace the combined 217 catches, 3,046 yards, and 19 touchdowns from those players.
Bond will now join fellow incoming transfer Matthew Golden, five-star freshman Ryan Wingo, incumbent talents Johntay Cook II and DeAndre Moore and perhaps even more future incoming talent in their quest to accomplish that feat.
Either way for Bond, Texas was the ideal place to land following his decision to make a change.
"I like the whole package that comes with it," Bond said to ESPN. "Great quarterback, they have a great offensive line. I felt like it was a great spot for me to come to."
