Bulldog back Fluff Bothwell envisions bright future for offense

Despite a midseason injury that cost him a couple of games, Fluff Bothwell had a productive regular season in his first year at Mississippi State. The former South Alabama transfer leads the team in rushing (639 yards) and ranks second on the team in rushing touchdowns (6).

Bothwell also confirmed recently that he would be back in 2026 for his junior season at Mississippi State. That should put the Bulldogs in a good spot with the ground game next season, especially with quarterback KaMario Taylor also adding the dual-threat aspect to the offense.

Bothwell talked to the media about the bowl game opportunity against Wake Forest along with other topics:

Q: What was it about Mississippi State that made you want to return next season?
Bothwell: Just the belief I’ve got in the head guy, Coach (Jeff) Lebby, and the guy (KaMario Taylor) y’all just go through talking to. I believe we are going to do special things and we are ready to get it back where it is supposed to be.

Q: Xavier Gayten also said he is returning. What’s that dynamic like between you and him and what do you feel like y’all bring to the table?
Bothwell: A lot, especially with his speed. Great teammate off the field and outside of football. X is like a brother. He is just great as a person and I’ve bonded with him since the summer.

Q: KaMario said y’all were together when you found out about the bowl game opportunity. What is that relationship like with him off the field and how does that help on the field?
Bothwell: When I first got here I saw him on campus and thought he was a receiver because of his height. Then we went to the academic center and he said he was a quarterback and showed me his highlights. I knew then he was going to be special. He was really the first or second guy I talked to when I got here. Ever since then our bond has been strong.

Q: We get to see more of KaMario in the bowl game. But what’s the future of this offense look like with him at quarterback next year?
Bothwell: A great one. We are going to play fast and play physical. With Coach Lebby leading us, it is going to be awesome. Being in the huddle with him and stuff like that feels the same.

Q: How much different is this offense with what Kamario brings to the table?
Bothwell: It feels the same. But knowing he has many different skills and he can run and throw. With him I feel like we can do a lot of things, offensively.

Q: What was your reaction when you found out there was a bowl game to play in?
Bothwell: It was great. I was actually getting ready to go home. Coach Lebby had told me about it because I was inside the building and how we have a chance to show everyone what the future is going to be about.

Q: How different is your mindset going to be this offseason without having to worry about the transfer portal?
Bothwell: Just staying down and keep working and work harder than I did last offseason. Just become a better version of myself.

Q: What do you know about Wake Forest so far?
Bothwell: I know they have a very solid defense. Our preparation will define how we play against those guys in a couple of weeks.

Q: When KaMario took over at quarterback, did that open up more things for you at running back?
Bothwell: Yeah, it is harder for defenses. They don’t know what is going to happen and don’t know who is going to get it. Everybody on the offensive side, we are all weapons. So it is pretty hard for defenses to keep up with that.

Q: What’s your thoughts on adding 2026 signees Jaeden Hill and Cooper Crosby to the running back room next year?
Bothwell: I watched JJ (Hill) and Cooper in the state championship game. I went back and told our running backs coach, Coach (Anthony) Tucker, that we’ve got some dudes coming in. I know it is going to be pretty hard to keep them off the field. He said ‘yeah’ and we are going to be deep next year and they will keep developing.

Q: Kolin Wilson got his feet wet this year. How much growth have you seen from him?
Bothwell: Kolin has been improving since I first met him. He had a pretty good spring and fall camp, and he is another great guy.