Ole Miss receives in-state pledge from RB Dear

Tom VanHaaren, ESPN Staff WriterMar 30, 2024, 05:28 PM ET
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- ESPN staff writer
- Joined ESPN in 2011
- Graduated from Central Michigan

Ole Miss added a top running back to its 2025 class Saturday when ESPN 300 prospect Akylin Dear committed to the Rebels.

Dear is the No. 58 recruit overall and the No. 2 prospect in the state of Mississippi. He’s a 6-foot, 205-pound back out of Quitman High School and chose Ole Miss over offers from Alabama, Georgia, Ohio State, Mississippi State, Texas and a handful of others.

He’s the second commitment in the class for coach Lane Kiffin and his staff. He joins ESPN 300 linebacker Corey Amos, the No. 211 recruit overall.

Adding Dear to the future offense was important for the staff as star Quinshon Judkins has transferred out to Ohio State and the coaches did not sign a running back in the 2024 class. Dear will provide some much-needed depth and talent in the running back room.