Christmas came early for the Crimson Tide fans and coaches finding out on Tuesday night that four-star Isaiah Bond had committed. The addition of Bond to the 2022 recruiting class makes an already impressive talent haul heading to Tuscaloosa even better.

WHAT THE CRIMSON TIDE ARE GETTING

Bond is one of the best playmakers in the country at the receiver position and is a versatile overall athlete. Going against 6A Georgia defenses, Bond is a proven commodity in the passing attack who could contribute Year 1. As much as the Crimson Tide likes to air out the ball averaging 347.9 yards per game in 2021, there is always a need for vertical threats in their scheme.

Alabama’s 2022 class now has four receivers: Amari Niblack, Kobe Prentice, Aaron Anderson, and Bond. Prentice, Anderson, and Bond are similar in size and play style. Niblack is the big receiver who looks like a tight end but plays with better speed and athleticism.

WHAT MAKES ISAIAH BOND DIFFERENT

The routes and hands are good, but the burst in space with speed to score from anywhere on the field is what makes Bond an elite player. Earning the athlete label, Bond is also a strong cover corner with excellent ball skills. As a receiving threat, bond can line up on the outside or on the inside where he creates mismatches against nickels, safeties and linebackers. Taking a screen or going inside, once the ball is in Bond’s hands, his field vision and cuts are used for explosive plays.

WHY THIS IS BIG FOR ALABAMA

Landing Bond further strengthens the talent pipeline to Georgia and equally as important to Buford. At least one dozen players will sign with college football programs off the Wolves’ program out of the 2022 recruiting class alone; the 2021 class had six. This trend will continue for years to come. Alabama flexed their might in the SEC Championship Game against the Bulldogs, and the wins along the recruiting trail competing directly against Georgia will help keep those banners flying around Bryant-Denny Stadium.

Adding to the watercooler talk, Alabama and Georgia are neck and neck for the top spot in the 2022 class. This will remain fluid until National Signing Day, but an added win for the Crimson Tide fans on the message boards.