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One of the nation's top running backs in the 2025 recruiting class, AK Dear enters his freshman season at Alabama this fall.

Part of a loaded Alabama Crimson Tide running back room, could true freshman AK Dear make an impact as early as this season?

A player new to the Crimson Tide this season, Dear comes to Tuscaloosa as a member of Alabama's 2025 recruiting class where he was among the highest-rated prospects in the group overall.

Dear was also considered among the nation's top high school prospects a year ago at his position, and now looks at a potential breakout campaign in year one at Alabama.

Let's take a look at everything you need to know about the debut season for AK Dear at Alabama this fall.

AK Dear player information

Position: Running Back
Jersey Number: No. 0
Height: 6'1
Weight: 212
Class: Freshman
Hometown: Quitman, Mississippi
High School: Quitman

AK Dear career stats

This will be the first season for Dear at the collegiate level. Dear has yet to compile any stats collegiately.

AK Dear 2024 stats

As for Dear's stats a year ago, the freshman running back is coming off an impressive conclusion to his prep career a year ago at Mississippi's Quitman High School. Across nine games, Dear played multiple roles offensively which included 1,081 yards and six touchdowns rushing over 151 attempts, as well as four more scores as both a passer and receiver.

AK Dear recruiting ranking

According to the 247Sports Composite rankings, Dear was considered as the nation's No. 53 overall prospect in the 2025 recruiting class, as well as the No. 2 running back nationally. A four-star recruit who committed to Alabama in Aug. 2024, Dear also ranked as the No. 3 player in the state of Mississippi where he attended Quitman High School.

Mar 5, 2025; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; Running back AK Dear (0) runs a drill during Spring Practice for the Crimson Tide.

AK Dear 2025 season outlook

With his exact role likely unsure at the moment, it feels like how much we see of Dear in 2025 could be an unknown.

A highly-touted prospect, Dear joins a deep Alabama running back room that returns starter Jam Miller and notable backup Richard Young, while also having added transfer Dre Washington, who also has significant experience. As a result of this, those three names could be among Alabama's top options at the position, while Dear is alongside the group of others who are potential set to emerge.

Overall, expect Dear to see some action in 2025 offensively, as well as potentially on special teams, and for the true freshman to likely play a depth role this fall who could possibly emerge later in the year.