Jeff Lebby calls Mississippi State running backs 'the deepest room on our roster'

Given the background Jeff Lebby holds, offensive skill positions figure to be a roster strength. There is a ton of hope surrounding quarterback Blake Shapen but one group in particular has caught Lebby’s eye. He appears excited about what the running back room is able to do, believing it’s as deep as any room in Starkville.

“I’m excited about the running back room,” Lebby said Wednesday at SEC Media Days. “We bring back Davon Booth. Johnnie Daniels comes back. Both of those guys, for us, last year, are the two leading returners from a rush game standpoint. And then having the addition of Fluff (Bothwell) — that room right now is probably the deepest room on our roster.

“There’s a great expectation for production from that group. It’s a group that’s done a great job. They were third on our team, from a GPA standpoint and have just crushed it on the field and off the field. Proud of where that room is but excited about their chance to go have great production.”

Booth and Daniels were Mississippi State’s one-two punch in 2024. They return after a combined 260 carries, going for 1,299 yards and nine touchdowns. Of them, Booth put up the better stats with 759 yards and five scores.

So you would think Lebby would not need to dip into the NCAA transfer portal for another running back. He still did, pulling Bothwell away from South Alabama on Christmas Eve. Bothwell racked up 832 yards and 13 touchdowns on 111 carries during his true freshman season in Mobile.

More than anything, it might be a long-term play for the Bulldogs. Still, Bothwell provides just a little more depth in 2025. Having three guys capable of taking their fair share of carries could wind up going a long way in the SEC.

All that being said, only LSU ran the ball less than Mississippi State last season. The Bulldogs going for around 138 yards per game, ranked 14th across the SEC. Offensive line issues certainly play a role too; another area Lebby feels as if the program improved.

Maybe some more handoffs will come off the playsheet due to the depth they possess. Attempting to control the clock against tougher opponents might serve Mississippi State well, too. If there is one way to get opposing defensive coordinators nervous, it’s putting together a good run game. And with a deep room, Lebby will have the opportunity to do so.