Virginia Tech RB Bhayshul Tuten gets some national preseason praise

Entering the 2023 college football season, the Virginia Tech football team had a number of transfers on the offensive side of the ball, including running back Bhayshul Tuten, who came to Blacksburg from North Carolina A&T. As the season went along, he became a key offensive addition who played a big part in the Hokies turnaround over the final two months.

Along with quarterback Kyron Drones, Tuten, and his Baylor transfer teammate became a tough duo in the Virginia Tech backfield to stop, and in December, both players announced that they were returning for the 2024 season. That gives head coach Brent Pry and offensive coordinator Tyler Bowen a dynamic QB/RB combination.

Tuten is also a key kick returner for the Hokies and returned two kicks last season for touchdowns against Florida State and Virginia, but it was some preseason recognition he got as a running back.

Bhayshul Tuten named Top 10 returning elusive RB for 2024

Tuten is expected to have a big season and be a big part of the Virginia Tech offense this season and he was named one of the Top 10 elusive returning running backs in college football for the upcoming season, coming in at No. 7 in Grant Hughes' list for 247Sports.

"Virginia Tech is a threat to post its best record in five years thanks to a backfield that features Tuten and quarterback Kyron Drones. Tuten arrived at Virginia Tech last offseason by way of HBCU North Carolina A&T and instantly produced against stiffer competition in the ACC. He rushed for 863 yards and caught 27 balls for 239 yards and found the end zone 12 times. He is the only player returning to college football next season who broke 60+ tackles on fewer than 200 carries."

- Grant Hughes

Tuten was able to break tackles last season and pick up a lot of his yards after contact. He is also a very good pass catcher out of the backfield while also breaking tackles in the kick return game. He joins a list that includes Damien Martinez, an Oregon State transfer who will also be in the ACC at Miami, and Kyle Monangai of Rutgers who will visit Blacksburg in Week 4. Virginia Tech should have no problem putting up points this season and Tuten will be a big part of that.