Alabama running back AK Dear has struggled to find consistent playing time over the first 8 weeks of the 2026 season.
Dear is an extremely talented sophomore who flashed major potential during his freshman campaign last year. The rising star was sidelined to begin the season after suffering a lower leg injury during a scrimmage in August, but Dear now has an excellent opportunity to step up with freshman phenom EJ Crowell expected to miss some time over the next few weeks.
Earlier today, Alabama head coach Kalen DeBoer took a moment to comment on Dear’s role moving forward.
“He’s doing better now, just gaining those reps in practice.” DeBoer said. “He and Kevin have been getting more of those reps these last couple of weeks with EJ out. AK’s right there, just need more plays and more snaps to get all of those guys into the game plan on Saturday.”
Dear currently has just two carries on the year for 6 total yards. A former four-star recruit from the 2025 class, Dear is an extremely talented and explosive running back who can ultimately emerge as a difference maker should he begin seeing an increase in playing time across the final month of the 2026 season.
