Bhayshul Tuten: From Paulsboro Prodigy to NFL Hopeful
Bhayshul Tuten, born on February 14, 2003, is an American professional football running back and kickoff returner currently playing for the Jacksonville Jaguars of the National Football League (NFL). His journey to the NFL is a testament to his dedication and talent, marked by standout performances in high school and college.
Early Years and High School Dominance
Raised in Paulsboro, New Jersey, Tuten honed his skills at Paulsboro High School. There, he established himself as a force to be reckoned with. As a senior in 2020, he earned the title of South Jersey Times Football Offensive Player of the Year. Over his high school career, Tuten amassed impressive statistics, including 3,768 rushing yards and 77 touchdowns. His remarkable average of 8.8 yards per carry and his ability to find the end zone made him a highly sought-after prospect. He also caught 35 passes for 437 yards and seven touchdowns, and returned three kicks and one punt for a touchdown. Tuten's accomplishments earned him a spot in the Phil Simms North/South All-Star Game.
College Career: North Carolina A&T and Virginia Tech
Tuten began his college career at North Carolina A&T in 2021. During his freshman year, he showcased his potential by rushing 37 times for 215 yards and three touchdowns. He also contributed as a receiver, catching 10 passes for 230 yards and a touchdown. Additionally, he returned 18 kickoffs for 330 yards, leading the Aggies in kickoff return yardage. His early success earned him Big South freshman of the week honors twice.
In 2022, Tuten's role expanded significantly. He rushed for 1,363 yards and 13 touchdowns on 208 carries as a sophomore. His rushing performance was the fifth-best single-season rushing performance in A&T history. Tuten broke school and conference records for consecutive 100-yard games in a season, while adding 31 catches. These accomplishments led to him earning FCS third-team All-America honors and All-Big South-first team honors.
Following his impressive stint at North Carolina A&T, Tuten transferred to Virginia Tech. In 2023, he played in all 13 games, making 13 starts. He rushed for 863 yards on 173 attempts, scoring 10 touchdowns while averaging 5.0 yards per carry. He also caught 27 passes for 239 yards and two touchdowns. As a kick returner, he returned 19 kicks for 550 yards and two touchdowns, making him one of five FBS players to record two or more kick return touchdowns. Overall, he recorded 1,633 all-purpose yards.
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His standout performances in 2023 included a 136-yard, two-touchdown rushing effort in the Military Bowl against Tulane. He set a Virginia Tech career high with three rushing touchdowns at Boston College. He also had a 118-yard rushing game against Syracuse. At Florida State, he set a Virginia Tech career high in all-purpose yards (210), highlighted by a 99-yard kickoff return. Against Pitt, he recorded his first 100-yard rushing game in a Virginia Tech uniform, finishing with 109 yards. He earned ACC Running Back of the Week honors after a game against Marshall where he led the Hokies in rushing yards (88), all-purpose yards (133), and receptions (five).
Tuten's impressive 2023 season led to several accolades, including being named a Sporting News & College Football Network All-American kick returner and a Phil Steele Fourth Team All-American kick returner. He was also selected to the All-ACC Second Team as an all-purpose back and the All-ACC Third Team as a running back.
NFL Draft and Jacksonville Jaguars
Bhayshul Tuten's college performances garnered attention from NFL scouts, leading to his selection by the Jacksonville Jaguars in the fourth round of the 2025 NFL Draft (No. 104 overall).
Professional Career
In his early NFL career with the Jaguars, Tuten has been working to establish himself. In a game against the Seahawks, he carried twice for 14 yards and caught two passes for 14 yards. While he operates as the team's No. 2 tailback, his workload has varied. He showcased potential in Week 2 with 10 touches for 74 yards.
Strengths and Areas for Improvement
Draft analysis reveals Tuten's strengths and areas for development. During his time at Virginia Tech, he exhibited elite efficiency in yards after contact (YAC) and forced missed tackle rate. He impressed at the NFL combine, posting top marks among running backs in the 40-yard dash (4.32 seconds), speed score (118), and vertical jump (40.5 inches). However, he also struggled with negative runs and fumbles.
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