Virginia Tech RB Bhayshul Tuten named to Doak Walker Award watch list

Going into the 2024 season, the Virginia Tech football team returns almost all of their offensive production from last season. Quarterback Kyron Drones will have plenty of targets at his disposal both in the backfield and on the outside.

Preseason Award watch lists are starting to roll in and roll in fast with some Hokies already being placed on watch lists. Tuesday, another Virginia Tech returning player was named to a preseason watch list and he'll join 15 other ACC players at his position as a nominee.

Bhayshul Tuten named candidate for 2024 Doak Walker Award

The candidates for the 2024 Doak Walker Award were released Tuesday and Virginia Tech running back Bhayshul Tuten was one of 15 ACC running backs named on the watch list.

Last season was Tuten first in Blacksburg after transferring from North Carolina A&T and he rushed for 863 yards on 170 carries and 10 touchdowns. He used his quick athletic talent to break through first contact several times and gain extra yardage. In the Hokies 41-20 Military Bowl win over Tulane, he rushed for 136 yards on 18 carries and two touchdowns.

Like so many of his other teammates, he announced last December that he was returning to Virginia Tech, and with duel-threat QB Kyron Drones, they will form a tough running duo for teams to contend with in 2024. Tuten also returns kicks for the Hokies and he took two kickoffs for touchdowns last season against Florida State and Virginia. Tuesday, head coach Brent Pry said, "To me, he's a complete back,'' when talking about Tuten.

The running game is going to be huge for Virginia Tech this season and Tuten is going to be a big part of that. If he stays healthy, there is no reason why he can't rush for 1,000 yards or more.