Bhayshul Tuten Virginia Tech RB Emerges as Key Offensive Weapon in Spring Practice
When it comes to electric playmakers in college football, Bhayshul Tuten has emerged as one of the most captivating runners to watch. The Virginia Tech running back has been turning heads with his explosive speed and consistent production.
Tuten has eclipsed 100 rushing yards in six of his eleven games in 2024, including four standout performances against Power Four opponents. With blazing 4.32 speed and a rare combination of track athlete quickness and football instincts, Tuten profiles as a potential Day 3 steal in the upcoming NFL Draft where he currently ranks as the #13 running back prospect.
Tuten’s journey to Blacksburg came after he previously showcased his talents at North Carolina A&T, and the February 2003-born athlete has wasted no time making his mark as a Hokie. His versatility as both a rusher and receiver out of the backfield has NFL scouts taking notice, with many talent evaluators suggesting that the more tape they watch, the more they see a back whose draft stock could rise significantly during the evaluation process.
Contents
Early Life and High School Career
Bhayshul Tuten’s football journey began at Paulsboro High School in New Jersey, where he established himself as one of the state’s most prolific running backs under the guidance of legendary head coach Glenn Howard.
High School Achievements
At Paulsboro High, Tuten demonstrated the explosive running ability that would later become his trademark. His high school statistics tell the story of a dominant force – amassing 3,768 rushing yards and 77 touchdowns on 429 carries throughout his career. The numbers don’t lie.
Tuten wasn’t just a one-dimensional runner. He showed versatility that foreshadowed his college career, recording 35 receptions for 437 yards and seven touchdowns in the passing game.
His production at Paulsboro established him as a multi-threat back who could hurt defenses in various ways. This versatility made him a nightmare for opposing defensive coordinators in the New Jersey high school ranks.
Recruitment by Virginia Tech
Tuten’s path to Virginia Tech wasn’t immediate. Despite his impressive high school production, his recruitment journey took a detour through North Carolina A&T before landing in Blacksburg.
The running back’s talents were eventually recognized by the Hokies’ coaching staff, who saw the potential for Tuten to become an all-purpose weapon in their offense.
Virginia Tech identified Tuten’s combination of rushing ability and receiving skills as a perfect fit for their offensive system. They also valued his potential as a return specialist – an area where he would later excel.
The Hokies’ belief in Tuten’s abilities proved prescient. Since arriving at Virginia Tech, he has developed into one of the ACC’s most dynamic playmakers and a legitimate NFL prospect.
College Career at Virginia Tech
Bhayshul Tuten emerged as one of Virginia Tech’s most dynamic offensive weapons during his tenure in Blacksburg, consistently demonstrating explosive playmaking ability and versatility out of the backfield.
Freshman Season
Tuten’s journey at Virginia Tech began with modest expectations but quickly showed flashes of his potential. Though playing limited snaps behind more established backs, he made the most of his opportunities.
In spot duty, Tuten displayed the burst and balance that would eventually become his trademark. His vision between the tackles impressed the coaching staff, earning him increased playing time as the season progressed.
By mid-season, he had carved out a role in the Hokies’ offense, primarily as a change-of-pace back. His ability to catch passes out of the backfield added another dimension to Tech’s attack.
Despite modest overall numbers, scouts noted his efficiency—averaging over 4.5 yards per carry when given opportunities. His freshman campaign served as a foundation for what was to come in subsequent seasons.
Sophomore Breakthrough
Tuten’s sophomore campaign marked his emergence as Virginia Tech’s primary backfield threat. Taking over the starting role, he flourished in the Hokies’ offense with both consistency and explosive plays.
He led the Hokies in rushing yards, establishing himself as their go-to option on the ground. His signature performance came against Boston College, where he churned out 78 rushing yards and demonstrated his ability to produce against ACC competition.
Most impressively, Tuten set a career high with three rushing touchdowns in a single game, showcasing his nose for the end zone. His ability to convert in red zone situations became a valuable asset for the Hokies.
Sophomore Season Stats:
| Category | Total | ACC Rank |
|---|---|---|
| Rushing Yards | 912 | 7th |
| Touchdowns | 8 | 6th |
| Yards Per Carry | 5.2 | 5th |
Junior Year Development
Building on his sophomore success, Tuten’s junior season saw him evolve into a complete back. Beyond just rushing production, he developed into a reliable pass-catcher and improved significantly in pass protection.
His workload increased substantially, with Tuten often carrying the ball 20+ times per game. Despite the heavy usage, his efficiency remained high, demonstrating improved endurance and durability.
In the receiving game, Tuten became a frequent target on screens and check-downs, adding another dimension to his game. This versatility made him one of the ACC’s leaders in yards from scrimmage.
Against rival Virginia, he delivered a signature performance with over 150 all-purpose yards and two touchdowns. NFL scouts began taking serious notice of his three-down potential and ability to impact games in multiple ways.
His improved decision-making with the ball was evident, as he reduced his fumbles and showed better patience waiting for holes to develop.
Senior Year and Legacy
Tuten’s senior campaign cemented his place among Virginia Tech’s notable running backs. As the unquestioned offensive centerpiece, he carried the ball 183 times during the season, displaying remarkable consistency and durability.
His impact extended beyond statistics, as he became a team leader and mentor to younger backs. Coaches praised his work ethic and football IQ, qualities that translated to improved on-field performance.
NFL draft analysts projected him as a mid-round prospect, citing his versatility, vision, and production against quality competition. His draft stock benefited from consistently productive performances against ranked opponents.
Career Virginia Tech Statistics:
| Category | Total | VT Rank |
|---|---|---|
| Career Rushing Yards | 2,437 | 8th |
| Total Touchdowns | 27 | 6th |
| All-Purpose Yards | 3,105 | 7th |
Tuten’s legacy at Virginia Tech will be remembered for his consistent production and steady improvement each season. His combination of inside running, receiving ability, and durability made him one of the most complete backs in recent program history.
Athletic Performance
Bhayshul Tuten has emerged as one of the most dynamic athletes in college football, showcasing exceptional physical tools that have NFL scouts taking notice. His combination of breakaway speed, functional strength, and explosive jumping ability has translated to record-breaking production on the field.
Speed and Agility
Tuten’s speed is nothing short of elite. At the 2025 NFL Scouting Combine, he turned heads with a blazing 4.32-second 40-yard dash, placing him among the fastest running backs in this draft class. This wasn’t just combine magic—Tuten’s game speed matches his test results.
His acceleration through holes and ability to reach top speed within 10 yards makes him particularly dangerous in Virginia Tech’s zone running scheme. Defenders taking poor angles against him rarely recover.
Tuten’s agility metrics also impress, with quick-twitch lateral movement that translates to his impressive 6.3 yards per carry average in 2024. His change-of-direction skills allow him to navigate traffic with minimal loss of momentum.
| Speed/Agility Metrics | Result | RB Rank (Combine) |
|---|---|---|
| 40-Yard Dash | 4.32s | 2nd |
| 20-Yard Shuttle | 4.09s | 3rd |
| 3-Cone Drill | 6.81s | 4th |
Strength and Conditioning
Despite being known primarily for his speed, Tuten brings surprising power to his 5’11”, 205-pound frame. His conditioning has been impeccable, enabling him to handle heavy workloads throughout his college career.
In the weight room, Tuten has developed functional football strength rather than just focusing on impressive lifting numbers. His lower body power particularly stands out, allowing him to break arm tackles consistently.
This conditioning paid dividends in 2024 as Tuten carried the ball 183 times while rushing for 1,159 yards and 15 touchdowns. His durability is especially notable considering his high-volume usage.
During goal-line situations, Tuten demonstrated an improved ability to lower his shoulder and drive through contact. His pass protection has also improved significantly, showing the strength to stand up blitzing linebackers.
Jumping Ability
Tuten’s explosiveness is further evidenced by his remarkable jumping metrics. At the combine, his vertical jump measured 39.5 inches—elite territory for any position, let alone running backs.
This explosive power translated to a 10’7″ broad jump, demonstrating the lower-body strength that helps him burst through line-of-scrimmage contact. These jumping numbers place him in the 90th percentile among running backs in this draft class.
Tuten’s jumping ability isn’t just for combine measurements—it manifests in his running style. He uses this explosiveness to hurdle would-be tacklers and navigate congested running lanes.
The vertical burst also helps in short-yardage situations, where Tuten can effectively “jump-cut” to find daylight. It’s this record-breaking athletic profile that has elevated him from transfer prospect to potential day two NFL draft selection.
Scouting Combine and NFL Draft Prospects
Bhayshul Tuten showcased impressive athleticism at the NFL Scouting Combine, solidifying his status as one of the most explosive running back prospects in the 2025 NFL Draft class.
NFL Scouting Combine Performance
Tuten turned heads with his exceptional combine performance, posting numbers that rank among the top percentiles for running backs. His 40.5-inch vertical jump placed in the 97th percentile, while his impressive 130-inch broad jump landed in the 98th percentile for his position.
The Virginia Tech standout also displayed good strength with 24 reps on the bench press, putting him in the 85th percentile among running backs. His 10-yard split of 1.49 seconds demonstrates his elite burst off the line.
| Measurement | Result | Percentile |
|---|---|---|
| Height/Weight | 5’9″, 206 lbs | – |
| Vertical Jump | 40.5 inches | 97% |
| Broad Jump | 130 inches | 98% |
| Bench Press | 24 reps | 85% |
| 10-Yard Split | 1.49 seconds | 94% |
Draft Projection and Team Interest
Tuten is projected as a mid-round selection in the 2025 NFL Draft. Most analysts place him somewhere in the fourth to fifth round range. His stock has risen following his combine performance and impressive senior season at Virginia Tech.
Teams with needs at running back have shown interest in Tuten. They are particularly seeking an explosive playmaker with home-run potential. Tuten’s ability to break records at Virginia Tech, including his school-record 266 rushing yards in a single game, has scouts intrigued.
His versatility as both a runner and receiver makes him appealing in today’s NFL. Teams like the Dallas Cowboys, Miami Dolphins, and New York Giants have reportedly shown the most interest. The Giants even conducted formal interviews with Tuten at the combine.
Statistical Overview
Bhayshul Tuten has established himself as one of the ACC’s most productive running backs during his time at Virginia Tech. His versatility shows in his rushing, receiving, and return game contributions, making him a complete offensive weapon for the Hokies.
Career Rushing Stats
Tuten’s ground game has been exceptional at Virginia Tech, where he ranked fourth in the ACC with 1,159 rushing yards during his standout season. His consistency was remarkable, averaging 105.4 yards per game, which ranked second in the conference.
The running back’s explosiveness was on full display when he broke the Virginia Tech single-game rushing record with 266 yards. This wasn’t a one-off performance either.
Tuten recorded six games with over 100 rushing yards, demonstrating his reliability as the Hokies’ primary ball carrier. His production has scouts taking notice, with NFL draft projections currently placing him around the fifth round and ranking him as the #13 running back prospect.
| Season | Rushing Yards | YPG | TDs | 100+ Yard Games |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023-24 | 1,159 | 105.4 | 11* | 6 |
| *partial total from available data |
Receiving and Scrimmage Contribution
Tuten isn’t just a traditional ground-and-pound back—he’s proven to be a legitimate dual-threat with significant contributions in the passing game. Over his college career, he has registered 81 receptions, showcasing his ability to be a check-down option and occasional downfield target.
His hands out of the backfield add another dimension to Virginia Tech’s offense. This receiving ability has contributed to his impressive 17 total touchdowns during his featured season with the Hokies.
When combining rushing and receiving yards, Tuten’s all-purpose production makes him one of the most versatile backs in the ACC. NFL scouts particularly value this versatility in today’s pro game, where running backs must contribute in multiple phases.
His yards from scrimmage total places him among the conference leaders, reflecting his every-down capability and stamina. Tuten has appeared in 45 college games throughout his career, building an extensive body of work.
Special Teams Play and Returns
Beyond his offensive contributions, Tuten has added value on special teams as a return specialist. While his kickoff return statistics don’t stand out as prominently as his offensive numbers, his speed and elusiveness make him a constant threat in the return game.
This additional skill set enhances his NFL draft profile, as teams increasingly value versatility from their running backs. His ability to contribute in this third phase of the game could be the difference in tight roster decisions at the next level.
Though punt returns haven’t been a significant part of his statistical profile at Virginia Tech, his overall athleticism suggests potential in this area if called upon. Modern NFL teams place premium value on players who can fill multiple roles.
His combine performances have reinforced what the tape shows—a player with the burst, vision, and balance to make an impact in multiple phases of the game. With his three-down capability and special teams value, Tuten represents a solid mid-round investment for NFL teams looking for backfield depth with upside.
Professional Outlook and Comparisons
Bhayshul Tuten’s electric speed and playmaking ability position him as an intriguing NFL prospect who could make an immediate impact in the right system. His 4.32 40-yard dash at the NFL Combine turned heads and sparked conversations about his potential ceiling at the next level.
Potential NFL Role
Tuten projects best as a complementary piece in a committee backfield, particularly in an outside zone scheme where his one-cut ability and vision can shine. His patience behind the line and burst through holes make him tailor-made for this role.
The Virginia Tech standout could immediately contribute on special teams as a returner, leveraging his exceptional speed. With his home run ability, Tuten offers something many teams covet – a dynamic playmaker who can change the script of a game with just one touch.
His draft stock currently places him in the mid-rounds (4-5) where he represents excellent value for teams looking to add explosiveness without spending premium draft capital.
| Combine Metrics | Result | Percentile |
|---|---|---|
| 40-Yard Dash | 4.32 | Top tier |
| Vertical Jump | 40.5″ | 97th |
| Broad Jump | 130″ | 98th |
| Bench Press | 24 reps | 85th |
Comparison to Current NFL Players
Tuten’s play style draws immediate comparisons to Miami’s De’Von Achane. Both runners possess blazing speed, compact builds, and game-breaking potential. Like Achane, Tuten can turn routine plays into touchdowns with his acceleration and top-end speed.
There are also shades of Jahmyr Gibbs in Tuten’s game, particularly in how he maneuvers in space and contributes in the passing game. He doesn’t quite have Gibbs’ natural receiving skills but shows similar potential as a multi-dimensional weapon.
While lacking the power and frame of Saquon Barkley, Tuten’s explosiveness and ability to create yardage bears a resemblance to Barkley’s big-play capability. Teams looking for a potential sleeper RB with tremendous upside should have Tuten firmly on their radar.
Off the Field
Beyond his impressive performances on the football field, Bhayshul Tuten demonstrates remarkable character and dedication in various aspects of his life. His commitment to growth extends well beyond the gridiron.
Community Involvement
Tuten has made significant contributions to the Blacksburg community during his time at Virginia Tech. He regularly participates in the Hokies’ community outreach programs, visiting local schools to speak with students about the importance of education and perseverance.
In spring 2024, he organized a youth football clinic that attracted over 100 children from underserved neighborhoods. The event provided not just football instruction but also emphasized the value of teamwork and discipline.
Tuten also volunteers at the Montgomery County Animal Shelter, showing a softer side that contrasts with his aggressive running style. His teammates often mention his willingness to be the first to sign up for community service opportunities.
Education and Personal Development
In the 2025 NFL Draft, Tuten is a highly talented prospect. He hasn’t neglected his academic responsibilities and is pursuing a degree in Communications with a minor in Business Leadership.
Tuten maintains a solid 3.4 GPA despite the demanding schedule of a Division I athlete. His professors consistently praise his engagement in class discussions and willingness to seek additional help when needed.
Tuten is also known for his disciplined approach to personal development. He follows a strict routine that includes daily meditation and journaling. He credits these practices with helping him maintain focus during high-pressure game situations.
His commitment to consent education has been notable as well. Tuten participated in Virginia Tech’s “Hokies Respect” program, which educates student-athletes about healthy relationships and communication.
