Alabama’s search for a dependable ground game has put the running back room under a brighter spotlight in fall camp, and one of the clearest names emerging is AK Dear.
The Crimson Tide are trying to correct a rushing attack that averaged 104.1 yards per game last season, a mark that ranked 15th in the SEC and 125th nationally. Alabama has already attacked the issue from multiple angles, reworking the offensive line and bringing in new position coaches up front while also reshaping the backfield with three returning running backs and three additions through recruiting and the transfer portal.
After Monday’s practice, offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb said the group had its best moments in a competitive session that showed production from several players.
"I thought we had some really, really good runs today," Grubb said. "A couple pops on some cutback lanes.
Guys got their shoulders square. Daniel [Hill] had a nice one.
TB [Traeshawn Brown] had another good one. AK Dear had a touchdown on a rail route.
It was a competitive day for the running back, so I felt like it was coming from all different directions. Everybody was showing up and doing a really good job.
So I think that the competition, you know, has held strong. Those guys are, I think, that's one of the biggest parts right now is the guys feeling that level of competition in the room."
Dear, a former 5-star recruit from Mississippi, is entering his second season in Alabama’s offense. Last year, he appeared in five games and finished with 19 carries for 140 yards and three touchdowns. His biggest run of the season came against Louisina-Monroe, when he ripped off a 56-yard gain, but his playing time never became consistent even as the unit around him struggled.
On Monday, Dear was the back leading drills during the media viewing portion of practice, a sign that he may be positioned for a bigger role in 2026. Grubb pointed to one word when asked what had changed for him over the past year.
"Maturity," Grubb said. " And I mean that.
I can remember being right out here in the Fourth Quarter with him, and just the things that he thought were possible at that time compared to what he thinks is possible now are very different. So I think he's a great teammate.
You know, he's a guy that can lighten the mood, spark guys a little bit, and that's been something that has been really enjoyable. But also, you know, just being a better football player.
Like AK, understanding protections was one of the issues of getting on the field, and he's come a long way."
In Other News...
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Even with those improvements, the biggest question around Coleman is less about hardware than atmosphere. The building can be upgraded, but the homecourt feel still depends on how Alabama shapes the student section and the rest of the crowd experience, and that is where some of the most interesting ideas are starting to surface. For now, the facility plans are moving forward, but the larger challenge of making Coleman feel like a tougher place for visiting teams remains very much in play. [Read more 🡒]
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Defensive coordinator Kane Wommack has liked what he has seen from Metzs development, and Alabama appears to have more than one workable answer at the position heading toward the 2026 season. Even if the Tide dont need to settle the battle immediately, the way Metz has pushed himself into the conversation gives this one a different feel than the usual depth-chart placeholder, especially with Woodson already expected to anchor that group. [Read more 🡒]
Alabamas Running Back Battle Just Got More Crowded Behind EJ Crowell
The race behind Alabamas top back has started to take shape, and it already looks crowded. Offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb pointed to EJ Crowell as a freshman with promising physical traits and upside, while also noting that Daniel Hill is expected to lead the group. Behind them, Kevin Riley, AK Dear and Trae'shawn Brown are all in the mix, giving the Crimson Tide a room full of options as the staff sorts out roles.
What stands out for Alabama is how much of this battle is still about the details, not just raw talent. Grubb has been pleased with the progress and maturity of Dear and Brown, especially as the group works through the finer points of the position, including learning the offense and handling blocking responsibilities consistently. With so many backs competing for snaps, the next step may come down to who can make the biggest strides in the parts of the game that keep trust in the huddle. [Read more 🡒]