Five-Star RB Akylin Dear Shuts Down Recruitment, Fully Commits to Alabama
In a move that has sent waves through the recruiting world, five-star running back Akylin Dear has announced that he is “100% locked in with the Tide” and has officially shut down his recruitment. The announcement comes as a major boost to the Alabama Crimson Tide’s already impressive 2025 recruiting class, as Dear has long been one of the top prospects at his position.
The 6’0″, 205-pound running back, out of Montgomery, Alabama, is regarded as one of the most explosive playmakers in the country. Known for his combination of speed, vision, and power, Dear is seen as a future star in college football. His decision to shut down his recruitment and solidify his commitment to Alabama cements the Crimson Tide’s status as one of the top programs in the nation for the 2025 recruiting cycle.
Akylin Dear has been a dominant force in high school football, and his skill set has made him a coveted recruit. He is known for his ability to break tackles, accelerate through holes, and make defenders miss in the open field. His combination of size, strength, and agility makes him a true dual-threat out of the backfield, and scouts have been raving about his potential at the next level.
What makes Dear so effective is his vision and ability to read blocks, allowing him to make quick decisions and burst through gaps. Whether he’s running between the tackles or bouncing outside, Dear is always a threat to take it to the house, and his ability to change direction quickly keeps defenders on their toes.
He also possesses excellent hands as a pass catcher, making him a versatile weapon in both the running and passing game. His ability to catch passes out of the backfield gives Alabama a dynamic option for its offense, one that can create mismatches against opposing defenses.
Dear’s physical tools are evident, but it’s his work ethic and football IQ that set him apart. He has a natural feel for the game and knows how to adapt his play style to succeed in various offensive systems.
For Dear, Alabama has long been the school at the top of his list. The Crimson Tide’s dominance on the recruiting trail, paired with their elite development of running backs, played a significant role in Dear’s decision to fully commit.
“Alabama has everything I want as a player,” Dear said in his announcement. “From the coaching staff to the facilities, to the tradition, it’s the perfect place for me to grow and become the best running back I can be. I’m locked in with Alabama, and I’m excited for what’s ahead.”
Dear’s commitment is a huge win for head coach Nick Saban and offensive coordinator Tommy Rees, who have built a reputation for developing some of the best running backs in the country. Alabama has produced numerous NFL-caliber running backs over the years, and Dear will have the opportunity to follow in the footsteps of players like Derrick Henry, Najee Harris, and Brian Robinson, all of whom thrived in Alabama’s system before making it to the NFL.
Moreover, Alabama’s winning culture, consistently competing for national championships, was a key factor in Dear’s decision. The Crimson Tide’s ability to consistently contend for SEC titles and playoff spots makes them an attractive destination for elite recruits, and Dear wants to be a part of that winning tradition.
With Dear officially committed, Alabama now has a dynamic playmaker in their 2025 class, a player who will bring excitement to the running back position for years to come. Dear will join a talented group of running backs in Alabama’s program, and his addition will give the Crimson Tide yet another weapon to utilize in their potent offense.
Alabama’s running game has been a staple of the program under Coach Saban, and Dear’s commitment ensures that this tradition will continue. The ability to have a powerful, explosive back like Dear will complement the Crimson Tide’s potent passing attack, making Alabama even more dangerous offensively.
Furthermore, Dear’s commitment shows Alabama’s continued dominance on the recruiting trail. The Crimson Tide have always been a major player in the SEC and national championships, and securing a top-tier talent like Dear only strengthens their already loaded roster. As a local recruit from Montgomery, Dear’s decision to stay in-state is a sign of the loyalty and respect he has for the Alabama program.
Now that Dear has shut down his recruitment and committed fully to Alabama, his focus will turn to preparing for his future with the Crimson Tide. He will finish out his high school career and continue to develop his skills in preparation for his arrival in Tuscaloosa.
Dear has the potential to contribute immediately at Alabama, and his physical tools make him one of the most promising running backs in the 2025 class. He will likely see significant playing time as a freshman, and many expect him to be a key piece of the offense for years to come.
In the meantime, Dear will likely continue to recruit for Alabama, helping the program land more top-tier prospects to join him in the 2025 class. His commitment adds another major piece to Alabama’s recruiting class, which already includes several highly-rated players on both sides of the ball.
Akylin Dear’s commitment to Alabama is a major win for the Crimson Tide and further solidifies their position as one of the premier programs in college football. Dear’s combination of size, speed, and vision makes him one of the most highly-touted running back prospects in the country, and his decision to shut down his recruitment ensures that Alabama will have an elite player at the position for the foreseeable future.
With his commitment, Dear joins a rich tradition of Alabama running backs and will have the opportunity to contribute to the program’s continued success. As one of the top recruits in the nation, Dear is poised to make an immediate impact, and Alabama fans can look forward to watching one of the most dynamic running backs in college football wear the Crimson Tide uniform.
Alabama’s recruiting momentum continues to build, and with Dear locked in, the program remains a dominant force in the race for national championships.