Alabama’s offense will be without its top 2025 recruiting running back for the foreseeable future. AK Dear suffered a lower‑leg injury during the Crimson Tide’s first fall scrimmage and, while the injury is not expected to end his season, it will keep him out of action for several weeks.
Dear’s rookie campaign in 2023 was already promising. In five appearances he logged 140 rushing yards and three touchdowns on 19 carries, adding three receptions for 18 yards. The performance earned him a spot among the most highly touted backs in the upcoming recruiting cycle.
With Dear sidelined, the coaching staff will lean on a mix of returning backs and fresh talent. Veteran Daniel Hill and Kevin Riley are slated to carry the primary workload for the first game, while true freshmen EJ Crowell and Trae'shawn Brown are expected to see increased snaps as the team evaluates depth.
Depth Chart Shifts Ahead of Season Opener
The Week 1 matchup against East Carolina on September 5 will serve as the first test of Alabama’s revised backfield. Hill and Riley are projected to start, but the increased involvement of Crowell and Brown could introduce new dynamics to the rushing attack.
Coaches have emphasized that the injury does not alter the long‑term vision for the program. They view the setback as an opportunity to develop younger players and to keep the offense versatile as the season progresses.
Fans will be watching closely to see how the team adapts without Dear’s immediate explosiveness. The depth chart adjustments add an extra layer of intrigue to the opening game, as the Crimson Tide looks to start the 2024 season on a positive note.