Hokie ClubBLACKSBURG – Virginia Tech running back/kick returner Bhayshul Tuten has been named to the watch list for the Paul Hornung Award watch list presented by Texas Roadhouse as announced by the Louisville Sports Commission on Thursday. The Hornung Award is presented annually to the most versatile player in college football.
Tuten (5-11, 209) made quite an impact for the Hokies in 2023 both out of the backfield and as a kick returner. He rushed for 863 yards and 10 touchdowns, averaging five yards per carry. The senior from Paulsboro, New Jersey tallied 239 receiving yards and two TDs. Tuten made a huge impact on special teams, returning 19 kicks for 550 yards and two touchdowns. He was one of five FBS players to record two-plus kick return touchdowns.
Tuten’s 1,633 all-purpose yards in 2023 helped him earn several post-season accolades including, third team All-ACC running back, second team All-ACC all-purpose back, as well as All-American kick returner honors from Phil Steele, The Sporting News, and College Football Network.
Hornung is considered by many the most versatile player in the history of college and pro football, winning the 1956 Heisman Trophy at quarterback for Notre Dame before becoming the number one pick in the 1957 NFL draft. He played every position in the backfield during his career with the Irish, where he also punted, kicked, returned kicks, and played defensive back.