Dear, a 6-foot-1, 200-pound running back from Quitman, Mississippi, has emerged as one of the most sought-after recruits in the 2025 college football class. Initially committed to Ole Miss, Dear decommitted in March 2025 and ultimately chose to play for the Alabama Crimson Tide. His decision was influenced by several factors, including the coaching staff’s persistence, the program’s history of developing NFL-caliber running backs, and the overall environment at Alabama.
Recruitment Journey
Dear’s recruitment began with a commitment to Ole Miss on February 30, 2025 However, after taking official visits to Florida and Alabama, he decided to decommit in late March. He cited feeling overwhelmed and not entirely at home during his initial commitment to Ole Miss as reasons for reopening his recruitment .
Alabama’s coaching staff, particularly associate head coach Freddie Roach and running backs coach Robert Gillespie, played a significant role in Dear’s decision. Coach Gillespie, a fellow Mississippian, maintained consistent communication with Dear throughout the recruitment process, which Dear appreciated. He noted that Coach Gillespie’s persistence and belief in his abilities made a lasting impression .
Reasons for Choosing Alabama
Dear’s decision to commit to Alabama was influenced by several key factors:
Coaching Staff: The relationship with Coach Gillespie and the overall coaching staff’s commitment to his development were pivotal in Dear’s choice.
Program’s Legacy:Alabama’s history of producing NFL-caliber running backs, including Derrick Henry, Josh Jacobs, and Najee Harris, was a significant draw for Dear. He viewed Alabama as a “factory” for running backs and believed the program could help him achieve his goal of playing in the NFL .([ClutchPoints][3], [ClutchPoints][4])
Fit and Environment: During his visits, Dear felt a strong connection to the team’s culture and environment, which he described as feeling like home.
Impact on Alabama’s Recruiting Class
Dear’s commitment bolstered Alabama’s 2025 recruiting class, which was ranked No. 2 nationally by major recruiting sites . He joins fellow four-star running back Anthony Rogers, forming a formidable duo in the backfield. Both players are expected to contribute significantly to Alabama’s offense in the coming years.([Roll ‘Bama Roll
Conclusion
Akylin Dear’s commitment to Alabama underscores the program’s continued success in attracting top-tier talent. His decision reflects the importance of coaching relationships, program legacy, and personal fit in the recruitment process. As Dear prepares to join the Crimson Tide, expectations are high for his impact on the field and his potential future in the NFL.
