Alabama Running Back Stays in Tuscaloosa for Sophomore Campaign

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. — Running back AK Dear will remain in Tuscaloosa for his sophomore campaign, Yea Alabama, the NIL collective for the University of Alabama announced Thursday afternoon.

AK Dear recorded 140 yards and three touchdowns on 19 carries in five games during his freshman campaign. The bulk of Dear's numbers came against UL-Monroe and Eastern Illinois.

Retaining the Mississippi native is massive for a Crimson Tide running back room that lost three members, Jam Miller, Richard Young, and Dre Washington Jr., to either the transfer portal or running out of eligibility.

Dear is one of three Crimson Tide backs returning to the squad for the 2026-2027 season, joining Daniel Hill and Kevin Riley in a running back room that failed to find their footing throughout the season.

The Crimson Tide has added five-star and Alabama native Ezavier Crowell to the backfield through the high school ranks, and as of the publication of this article, has yet to add a back through the portal after NC State transfer Hollywood Smother flipped his commitment to Texas.

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