Kalen DeBoer's Alabama lands commitment from elite five-star RB Akylin Dear to the class of 2025

Four-star running back Akylin Dear, from Quitman High School in Mississippi, announced his commitment to Alabama's 2025 class. He had initially committed to Ole Miss on March 30 but decommitted from the Rebels on June 28, which followed three other decommitments for the program.

Before his decommitment, Dear made spring official visits to Florida and Alabama. He also attended the Crimson Tide's Champions Cook-Out, which played a role in shaping his commitment to Kalen DeBoer's program.

The six-foot, 205-pound running back is ranked by On3 as the No. 31 overall prospect in the nation, the No. 2 running back in the 2025 class and the No. 3 recruit in Mississippi. He's placed by 247 Sports as the No. 45 overall prospect in the nation, the No. 1 running back in the class and the No. 3 recruit in the state.

Dear's commitment brings Alabama’s 2025 class to 20 recruits. The class ranks No. 2 in the nation and No. 1 in the SEC.

In his junior season in 2023, Akylin Dear amassed 2,016 rushing yards and scored 27 touchdowns, following an impressive sophomore season, where he recorded 800 rushing yards and 21 touchdowns.

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Why did Akylin Dear commit to Alabama?

Akylin Dear becomes the third player to commit to Alabama from Mississippi in the 2025 class.

He was drawn by the school’s impressive track record of developing running backs and producing NFL-caliber talent. The Crimson Tide's storied history and consistent success on the national stage also played a key role in his decision.

"I'm excited to be a part of an elite organization that is going to compete every year and strive to win a national championship," Dear said ( via ESPN). "I'm going to be able to say I play for Alabama Crimson Tide, which is probably one of the greatest programs ever in the history of college football.

"Being able to follow in the footsteps of so many greats and accepting the challenge to be elite above all other things has always been my overall goal."

Running back coach Robert Gillespie also played a crucial role in securing the talented Dear's pledge. Despite his initial commitment to Ole Miss, Gillespie continued to recruit him relentlessly and even made a personal visit to Dear’s home during the spring.

"My time with Coach Gillespie was great as always," Dear told BOL. "I love how he’s always honest with me about everything.”

While Nick Saban’s retirement caused some recruits to reconsider their options, first-year coach Kalen DeBoer quickly made a strong impression on Dear.

"I loved his history," Dear told Rivals. "I feel like I can fit into his offense great because of how he used Dillon Johnson."

Akylin Dear joins four-star running back Anthony Rogers in the 2025 class' backfield. The cycle also features five-star prospects like offensive tackle Ty Haywood, wide receiver Caleb Cunningham and quarterback Keelon Russell.