It was a little surprising that former Virginia Tech running back Bhayshul Tuten fell to Day 3 of the NFL Draft back in April in Green Bay. Early on the third day, Tuten was finally selected by the Jacksonville Jaguars, and it was a steal that the AFC South franchise got him on the final day.
Since arriving in Northern Florida, Tuten has been turning some heads in minicamp and training camp. That carried over to the Jaguars' preseason opener against the Pittsburgh Steelers last Saturday night. Following the game and after returning to practice, Jacksonville coach Liam Coen was impressed with the former Hokies running back.
Jaguars coach impressed with Bhayshul Tuten in loss to Steelers
Against Pittsburgh, Tuten had a combined 40 total yards of offense, 24 on the ground and 16 through the air, but it was a touchdown run that opened some eyes. After hitting the hole hard and getting inside the 5-yard line, Tuten kept the legs turning and eventually carried several players into the end zone for a Jaguars touchdown.
BHAYSHUL TUTEN DID NOT GIVE UP ON THE PLAY 😤
— NFL (@NFL) August 10, 2025
He powers his way in for the TD
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"I thought he ran it pretty well, actually," said Coen. "From a physicality standpoint, if you're going to take the positive from the other night, was on both sides of the ball was physical. But I thought he did some nice things. He was able to make some guys miss in the hole. He ran hard, he had good ball security, so I was pleased with Tuten."
Coen's assessment of Tuten is one that Virginia Tech fans would agree with. He was a physical runner with the Hokies; he hit the hole hard and made guys miss. Bringing him down is tough, and the Steelers found that out on Saturday night. Granted, it wasn't against Pittsburgh's top players, but an impressive run is an impressive run.
Tuten was still third on Jacksonville's second depth chart that was released ahead of this week's preseason game No. 2, but with each passing day, he's making a case to earn some playing time behind Travis Etienne and Tank Bigsby this season. Coen is finding out quickly what Hokies' fans knew: Tuten is a runner who is difficult to play against, and he can make things happen when he gets his hands on the ball.