BLACKSBURG – During Virginia Tech Football's media day on Tuesday, the running back position group received high praise for their improvements during Fall Camp. Let's take a look at the group under the direction of running backs coach Elijah Brooks.
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Head coach Brent Pry has indicated throughout the offseason, the need to be more consistent in the running game. Part of the inconsistency can be attributed to the health of Malachi Thomas. Thomas played in just three games last season due to injury. The Hartwell, Georgia product rushed for 146 yards and a touchdown on 37 carries, while recording 13 receptions for 91 yards and a score.
Thomas will have some help in the backfield with the addition of North Carolina A&T transfer Bhayshul Tuten. The Paulsboro, New Jersey native was a third-team FCS All-American as a sophomore last year for North Carolina A&T, where he ran for 1,363 yards and 13 touchdowns and caught 31 balls for 342 yards and four more touchdowns. Tuten was also one of 30 finalists for the Walter Payton Award, given to the most outstanding player at the FCS level. He's a junior with two years of eligibility remaining.
OTHERS IN THE MIX
Redshirt sophomore Chance Black and sophomore Bryce Duke add depth to a strong, competitive position. The two combined for 178 yards from scrimmage last season while contributing another 237 yards in kick returns. Both Black and Duke will look for an opportunity to showcase their speed. Freshman Jeremiah Coney was impressive throughout spring practice and could compete for early playing time in the fall along with fellow freshman Tralon Mitchell.
RB NOTES
- Thomas rushed for 84 yards and a touchdown during his season debut at Pittsburgh last October
- Thomas ran for 440 yards and three touchdowns as a freshman in 2021
- Tuten was a workhorse in 2022, registering 208 carries
- Tuten topped 100 yards ten times during the 2022 season, including a 133-yard effort against Duke
- Tuten is the cousin of former Pittsburgh Steeler running back Isaac Redman and former Temple standout Kevin Harvey
- Brooks is the new running backs coach after serving in the same capacity at Maryland for the past four seasons
POSITION OUTLOOK
The running back position should be one of strength for the Hokies this season if Thomas and Tuten can provide a solid 1-2 punch with Black, Duke and Coney competing for carries as well. New running backs coach Brooks will have plenty of weapons at his disposal this fall.
Gallery: (8-11-2023) FB: Running Backs