Alabama football’s four-star running back target, Akylin Dear, is set to announce his commitment decision on Tuesday, Aug. 20.
Dear, a standout from Quitman High School in Mississippi, is choosing between Alabama, Mississippi State, and Ole Miss.
The Crimson Tide have been persistent in their pursuit of Dear since Kalen DeBoer took over in Tuscaloosa. From the beginning, it was evident that Alabama’s running back coach, Robert Gillespie, would play a crucial role in Dear’s recruitment as one of the holdovers from Nick Saban’s coaching staff.
“They’re still at the top of my list because Coach (Robert) Gillespie is still there,” Dear told Touchdown Alabama in February. “I like Coach DeBoer. I need to get there to meet the coaching staff.”
Despite initially committing to Ole Miss, Dear’s commitment didn’t deter Alabama from continuing their pursuit. Gillespie visited him at home during the spring, and Dear made an official visit to Alabama in June, leaving impressed after what he described as a “dope” visit.
“The people at Alabama are the kind of people you want around you—cool people,” Dear said after his visit.
After de-committing from Ole Miss in June, Alabama emerged as one of the favorites to secure Dear’s commitment.
Dear showcased his talent as a junior, finishing the 2023 football season with 2,016 rushing yards and 27 rushing touchdowns, demonstrating his explosive running ability and tenacity.
