As the Hokies’ season has now begun, Tech running back Bhayshul Tuten looks to put the ACC on notice with his play this year.
After a 2023 campaign resulting in 863 rushing yards and Second Team All-ACC All-Purpose recognition, the intrigue surrounding the senior is palpable beyond Blacksburg.
Standing at 5-foot-11 and weighing 209 pounds, Tuten combines a unique mix of downhill ferocity and precise tempo into his running game. The Paulsboro, New Jersey native led Tech in rushing yards last year and totaled 1,633 all-purpose yards over 13 starts. A staggering 654 of his rushing yards were found after contact, a total that makes up more than 75% of his total running yardage. Tuten also eclipsed 100 yards in four different outings last season (Tulane, Virginia, Syracuse, Pittsburgh), his most impressive performance being his 136-yard affair in a rainy Military Bowl.
Additionally, Tuten caught 27 passes for 239 yards and a pair of touchdowns last season, often finding himself outside of a pure running scheme in the Tech offense. Heading into the season, Tuten’s potential was recognized with preseason watch list mentions from the Maxwell Award, Doak Walker Award and Paul Hornung Award.
One of Tuten’s strongest aspects of his running game is his patience behind the offensive line. Behind experienced offensive linemen Bob Schick and Parker Clements, Tuten utilized their space-creating abilities to burst through gaps and make big plays on offense.
Against SEC foe Vanderbilt last weekend, Tuten shined brightest when he recorded a 24-yard rushing touchdown to open the Hokies’ offense in the second half, finding a crease created by the leaders on the offensive line. Signs point to Tuten having yet another impressive season after becoming the lead back of Tech’s top 25 ranked rushing offense in 2023. Against a Marshall defense that allowed 182.4 rushing yards per game last season, look for offensive coordinator Tyler Bowen to involve the tailback early and often.
Tuten doesn’t find success exclusively in the running back department. One of the largest motivators behind his All-ACC All-Purpose recognition last season was his ability to return kicks. Tuten’s speed was demonstrated last year when he returned 19 kickoffs for 550 yards and two touchdowns.
As one of five FBS players to record two or more kickoff return touchdowns, Tuten showcased his explosiveness with a 99-yard kickoff return touchdown against Florida State and a 94-yarder against Virginia. Ranking 20th overall for accrued kickoff yards amongst FBS players, Tuten’s ability to survey incoming defenders when returning kicks is an ability that special teams coordinator Stu Holt appreciates. The Thundering Herd allowed 17.6 yards per kickoff last season, so look for Tuten to challenge the odds and build his return yardage total this Saturday.
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