Alabama visits Ole Miss 5-star RB commit Akylin Dear
At the end of March, Quitman (Miss.) five-star running back Akylin Dear announced his commitment to Ole Miss. He headlines the Rebels’ 2025 class, but other programs are staying in pursuit, including Alabama.
As coaching staffs get back on the road to round out the spring, new Crimson Tide running backs coach Robert Gillespie made his way to the Magnolia State to visit the coveted burner.
Dear has taken five trips to Tuscaloosa throughout his recruitment. His interest in the Tide remained once Kalen DeBoer took over the reins for Nick Saban and the new staff got situated. Gillespie was one of the assistants that remained on staff and he played a large part in having Bama in the mix for Dear’s pledge.
“He just helped lead Washington to a national championship game,” Dear told On3 of DeBoer earlier this year. “When I first met him, it was crazy. My heart was beating because I was wondering what he was going to think of me. He’s a great guy.”
Dear named his top 12 schools in February, but opted to commit to Ole Miss after a visit in March. Ultimately, the opportunity to stay home and play for the in-state program was too big of an opportunity to pass up.
“It was a difficult [decision] because there was a lot of places to go play at,” Dear said. “But I’m from Mississippi, ya know? It’s great to be staying home. Ain’t anything better than the ‘Sip.”
Alabama does have an RB commitment in the 2025 class already in the form of Montgomery (Ala.) Carver four-star Anthony Rogers. The Tide’s class ranks No. 6 in the nation, according to the On3 Industry Team Recruiting Rankings.
Dear is the No. 30 overall prospect and No. 2 RB in the 2025 cycle, according to the On3 Industry Ranking, a weighted average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies. He’s also the No. 2 player in Mississippi.
Akylin Dear Scouting Summary
On3’s Scouting and Rankings team writes this of Dear as a prospect:
“True three-down back that has all of the physical, athletic and technical ability to walk in and carry the load for an offense the day he steps on campus. He has the frame to add the necessary mass in order to become a bell cow back. Stands in at 6’0, 200 pounds with an advanced physical build. Strong, between the tackles runner who is light on his feet with excellent wiggle. Has the top end speed to hit the homerun ball. Great forward body lean that runs behind his pads making him a load to bring down for defenders. Comfortable pass catcher and ball tracker downfield. Put together strong workouts in the spring camp setting prior to his senior season. One of the most complete players in the entire 2025 recruiting cycle.”