Virginia Tech running back Bhayshul Tuten established himself as a highly talented prospect in the 2025 NFL Draft through an outstanding performance at the combine. Tuten posted position-bests in the 40-yard dash (4.32), vertical jump (40.5 inches), and 10-yard split (1.49).
Tuten recently spoke exclusively with The Draft Network. Tuten discussed blowing the lid off Lucas Oil Stadium at the NFL Combine, rushing for 1,159 yards and 15 touchdowns this past season, working to improve ball security, and more.
JM: After a great debut season at Virginia Tech in 2023, you elevated your game to an even higher level in 2024, rushing for 1,159 yards and 15 touchdowns. What do you think led to that improvement?
Bhayshul Tuten: I did a great job building my body up. That was the main thing. I got faster and stronger. Keeping my head in the playbook and in the film room helped me understand the game at a higher level. I was better in pass protection. I read defenses more efficiently.
I understood what our offensive linemen were doing. I really harped on the mental aspects of my game going into my senior 2024 season. It helped me elevate my game. I skyrocketed to a better position. It helped a ton.
JM: You put the work in. More recently, you were outstanding at the NFL Combine. You finished first among all RBs in the 40 (4.32), vertical jump (40.5 inches), and ten-yard split (1.49), and second in the broad jump (10-foot-10). I imagine you were incredibly satisfied with the performance.
Bhayshul Tuten: I was very satisfied. I trained for two months to put up those numbers. I went out there with target goals in mind. I went out there and executed by knocking those goals out of the park. It was a great feeling.
The staff at Pete Bommarito’s Performance, that’s what we were expecting of me. We strived and worked for it dating back to last season.
JM: Did you surprise scouts with the results, or did teams expect you to test as well as you did?
Bhayshul Tuten: I think I surprised a few teams with the testing results. There were also teams out there that expected me to run and jump at a high level. I displayed outstanding athleticism. I surprised a lot of people who watched and tuned in, coaches and scouts included. I definitely made a positive impact.
JM: Did you have any formal interviews at the Combine, and do you have any other team visits coming up?
Bhayshul Tuten: I had a few formal and informal interviews at the NFL Combine. I also have some in-person visits and private workouts. I’ve been busy. The Steelers and Cowboys are on my list. We’re sorting through my schedule. I have a lot of Zoom interviews and private workouts as well.
JM: There’s a lot of interest in you and it’s easy to see why. I want to talk about your play style a little bit. At 5-foot-9 and 206 pounds, would you describe your identity as being a speedy athlete in space, or do you prefer to be a between-the-tackles runner?
Bhayshul Tuten: I prefer to do it all (laughs). I can win with speed around the edge. I can also run power in between those gaps. I can get those tough yards up the middle. I rather classify myself as an all-around back. I can execute any scheme in football.
JM: What was your favorite play to run in the Virginia playbook this past season? Something you got excited about hearing in the huddle?
Bhayshul Tuten: It would have to be outside zone. We ran a ton of that this past season. We had an 85% efficiency grade on outside zone. It was one of our favorite plays, one of our go-to plays. It gained a ton of yardage for us on the ground.
JM: I love watching you run outside zone. If scouts are going to ask questions about your game, it's probably about ball security. How are you addressing that topic throughout this pre-draft process?
Bhayshul Tuten: It’s been a topic of discussion in my team meetings. I told them that I’m harping on ball security, paying extra attention to it. I’ve been working on countless drills that prioritize ball security. I’m being mindful. I’m working drills, making sure I keep the ball high and tight at all times, especially in the open field.
It’s something I’ve been working on. I’m going to continue working on it until I perfect it. It won’t be an issue at the next level.
JM: Do you feel like you also have some untapped potential in the passing game? You were pretty consistent there at North Carolina A&T, but Virginia didn't feature you as much in the passing game.
Bhayshul Tuten: Definitely. I can run routes and catch the ball coming out of the backfield. I have pretty good hands. I’m comfortable working against linebackers and safeties in the open field. That’s my thing. I’m prepared to play a pass-catching role at the next level if they want me to. I look forward to working out of the backfield some more.
JM: We've appreciated your time today. This has been an outstanding conversation. In closing, what kinda running back is Bhayshul Tuten going to be at the next level?
Bhayshul Tuten: I’m going to be a very productive running back. I’m a back who can protect the quarterback on third down. I can get into the flats and do damage in the passing game. I can catch the ball and be productive.
I can also run the football with a strong and aggressive mentality. I’m going to be a dominant back in the league. I’m going to inflict pain on defenders in all phases of the game.
