Alabama Could Finally Unleash AK Dear Against Texas A&M

Back in fall camp, Alabama Crimson Tide running back AK Dear was at the center of the conversation in the team's backfield, so when the sophomore suffered an ankle injury in the first scrimmage, it was viewed as a very tough blow.

However, Dear has been healthy, and he still isn't playing.

Dear has logged a grand total of two carries for six yards in 2026, and while he is a part of a loaded running back room that includes Trae'shawn Brown, Daniel Hill and EJ Crowell, it's still somewhat odd that he hasn't really touched the ball at all.

That could change this weekend against Texas A&M.

The Crimson Tide accumulated just 54 rushing yards versus Tennessee last Saturday, and Crowell suffered a knee injury in the process.

That could open the door for Dear to finally get some run here in Week 8, and it would be very disappointing if Kalen DeBoer and Ryan Grubb didn't turn to him at all.

A former five-star recruit, Dear was the second-ranked running back in the class of 2025. He played in five games during his debut campaign in Tuscaloosa, carrying the ball 19 times for 140 yards and three touchdowns.

Somehow, his playing time has decreased even further in 2026, but with Alabama in desperate need of a win — and an offensive spark — this weekend, it's now a better time than ever to hand Dear the rock.

It should also be noted that Hill has been decidedly pedestrian the last couple of weeks, having toted the ball 11 times for 49 yards in those two contests.

Brown had a bad game against the Volunteers, totaling 12 yards on six attempts, but he has at least been consistently impressive throughout the campaign.

So why not give Dear a chance to potentially carve out a role as the secondary back with Hill struggling and Crowell injured?

At the very least, DeBoer and Grubb should see if Dear can provide a boost to the Crimson Tide offense, which generated just 27 points combined the last two weeks.

Alabama's coaching staff has been under heavy fire for its subpar showing in Knoxville this past weekend, so some changes absolutely should be made.

While that involves more than just getting Dear the ball, I think a slight shakeup could be necessary, and Dear's involvement should be a part of it.

We'll see if Alabama decides to utilize Dear versus the Aggies.