2024 Mississippi State Position Preview: Running Backs

With Seth Davis out for the season, the running back room for Mississippi State loses a key component. Who will be toting the note come this fall?

Nov 23, 2023; Starkville, Mississippi, USA; Mississippi State Bulldogs running back Jeffery Pittman (25) runs the ball during the first half against the Mississippi Rebels at Davis Wade Stadium at Scott Field. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-USA TODAY Sports / Petre Thomas-USA TODAY Sports

The Mississippi State running back room is one filled with a rich tradition of bruising bell-cow backs, and first year head coach Jeff Lebby is searching for the first one of his tenure in Maroon and White.

Last week at SEC Media Days, Mississippi State football head coach Jeff Lebby made it clear that Seth Davis would not return for the Bulldogs this fall. The sophomore running back suffered a torn ACL in last year's Egg Bowl loss to Ole Miss, and is expected to still be recovering from that injury.

With that announcement, Lebby cleared the air a bit about the future of a pivotal position in his space and pace style offense, but not completely. There are still plenty of carries up for grabs this season, and Davis was only one piece of the ever-evolving puzzle.

That being said, there will be several names to watch for when it comes to toting the rock for the Bulldogs this fall.

1. Davon Booth

Dec 23, 2023; Boise, ID, USA; Utah State Aggies running back Davon Booth (6) runs for a touchdown during the first half against the Georgia State Panthers at Albertsons Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Losness-USA TODAY Sports / Brian Losness-USA TODAY Sports

Booth was a late addition to the Bulldog roster during the most recent transfer window, and is projected to get the bulk of the carries at least early on this season. Booth totalled over 800 yards on the ground last season for Utah State and racked up over 100 yards in three separate games.

2. Jeffery Pittman

Oct 28, 2023; Auburn, Alabama, USA; Mississippi State Bulldogs running back Jeffery Pittman (25) jumps over Auburn Tigers cornerback Champ Anthony (25) during the third quarter at Jordan-Hare Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John Reed-USA TODAY Sports / John Reed-USA TODAY Sports

Pittman was one of the few bright spots this past season for a Mississippi State backfield that showed little promise outside of Seth Davis, especially as the season unfolded. His hard-nose running style and 205 pound frame make Pittman an explorable option for Lebby between the tackles.

3. Keyvone Lee

Oct 1, 2022; University Park, Pennsylvania, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions running back Keyvone Lee (24) avoids a tackle from Northwestern Wildcats defensive back Cameron Mitchell (2) during the second quarter at Beaver Stadium. Penn State defeated Northwestern 17-7. Mandatory Credit: Matthew OHaren-USA TODAY Sports / Matthew OHaren-USA TODAY Sports

The Keyvone Lee experience has been lackluster since his transferring in from Penn State two seasons ago. For whatever reason, Lee has not garnered the snaps many thought he would when he made the decision to don the maroon and white. Another big back at over 220 pounds, Lee has the potential to be a dominant threat around the goal line if used correctly. Penn State is not in the business of starting bad running backs, and Lee drew plenty of playing time during his time in Happy Valley.

4. Johnnie Daniels

“For the strength of the Pack is the Wolf, and the strength of the Wolf is the Pack.”

Our pack just got stronger as the top Juco running back in America comes to Starkvegas from Co-Lin Community College! 🐶 #HailState @Jdaniels__2 pic.twitter.com/mrE9pyIeFf

— NPGPX Design (@NathanPurvis) January 2, 2024

Daniels came to MSU as the top junior college running back in the nation out of Copiah-Lincoln Community College, and anyone that turns on his tape can see why. Daniels possesses true SEC speed in the open field, but his unproven resume' might hold him back at the initial outset of the season. However, with the space that Lebby's offense creates, Daniels may be able to produce at a high level as one of the fresher faces in the running back room.

5. Xavier Gayten

Speed so fast, it’s outlawed in Lincoln County. 🏎️💨💨💨 @Xaviergayten #HailState pic.twitter.com/aQ2LwcJgEq

— NPGPX Design (@NathanPurvis) January 1, 2024

Despite just being a true freshman, Gayten comes in to this season with an already impressive resume' as he churned out over 2,000 yards on the ground in his senior season at Brookhaven High School while playing on both sides of the ball. Gayten was a four star recruit according to the On3 rankings, and plenty of four stars have contributed to success early and often.

It's a safe bet that these five names will be shouldering the load of the rushing attack for Mississippi State this season, but surprises have happened before. Either way, Jeff Lebby still has plenty of talent at his disposal behind the line for his inaugural head coaching stint at Mississippi State.