Just In: Akylin Dear, the No. 2 RB in the 2025 Class, Signs with Alabama
The Alabama Crimson Tide continue to dominate the recruiting trail, as Akylin Dear, the No. 2 running back in the 2025 class, has officially signed his letter of intent to join Nick Saban’s powerhouse program. Dear’s commitment is not just another addition to Alabama’s roster; it’s a statement of the Tide’s enduring influence and ability to attract top-tier talent year after year.
Hailing from Quitman, Mississippi, Akylin Dear is a versatile and explosive player who has turned heads with his performances on the field. His signing also marks a continuation of Alabama’s pipeline from Mississippi, as he becomes the second running back from the state to join the Tide in as many recruiting classes, following in the footsteps of Daniel Hill.
Standing 5’11” and weighing 210 pounds, Dear is the epitome of a modern running back. He combines power, speed, and agility, making him a dual-threat both as a rusher and a receiver. In his senior year at Quitman High School, Dear rushed for over 2,000 yards and 24 touchdowns, showcasing his ability to dominate on the ground. Additionally, his 500 receiving yards and five receiving touchdowns highlight his versatility and value in the passing game.
What separates Dear from other running backs in his class is his football IQ and work ethic. Coaches and scouts have raved about his ability to read defenses, hit the right gaps, and adjust on the fly. His vision and patience behind the line of scrimmage allow him to find openings that others might miss, while his breakaway speed ensures that once he’s in the open field, defenders have little chance of catching him.
Alabama has consistently recruited well from Mississippi, a state rich in football talent. Akylin Dear is the latest in a line of standout recruits from the Magnolia State to choose Tuscaloosa as their next home. Last year, the Tide secured the commitment of Daniel Hill, another highly touted running back from Mississippi.
Hill, who saw limited action during his freshman season at Alabama, has already benefited from the Tide’s strength and conditioning program and looks poised to make an impact in the upcoming season. Together, Hill and Dear could form a formidable duo in Alabama’s backfield for years to come.
This trend underscores Alabama’s recruiting strategy of not only targeting the best players in the nation but also solidifying relationships in talent-rich regions. Mississippi, with its deep football culture, remains a key state for the Tide’s recruiting efforts.
For Akylin Dear, the decision to join Alabama came down to a combination of factors:
- Championship Culture: Alabama’s reputation as a perennial national title contender played a significant role. Under Nick Saban, the Tide have created an environment where players are developed into NFL-caliber athletes while competing for championships every year.
- Player Development: Alabama’s track record with running backs is unparalleled. From Mark Ingram and Derrick Henry to Najee Harris and Jahmyr Gibbs, the Tide have produced a long list of successful NFL running backs. For a young athlete like Dear, the opportunity to be part of that legacy is hard to pass up.
- Resources and Facilities: Alabama’s state-of-the-art facilities and top-tier coaching staff provide players with every tool they need to succeed on and off the field.
Akylin Dear’s skill set aligns perfectly with Alabama’s offensive scheme. His ability to run between the tackles and stretch plays to the outside makes him a versatile weapon in the Tide’s backfield. His hands and route-running ability also make him a viable option in the passing game, an increasingly important aspect of modern college football.
Dear’s commitment also adds depth to Alabama’s running back room, which is already brimming with talent. With the departure of some veteran backs, Dear will have an opportunity to compete for playing time as early as his freshman season. His combination of skills and physicality will likely make him a key contributor in the coming years.
Alabama’s 2025 recruiting class is shaping up to be one of the best in recent memory, and Akylin Dear’s signing is a cornerstone of that success. As the No. 2 running back in the nation, Dear has the potential to become a household name in college football, and his addition solidifies the Tide’s status as the team to beat in the SEC and beyond.
For Dear, the journey is just beginning. His decision to join Alabama comes with high expectations, but if his high school career is any indication, he is more than ready to rise to the challenge. With his talent, determination, and the support of Alabama’s elite program, Akylin Dear has all the tools to become the next great running back to wear the Crimson and White.