Position Preview: Running Backs

BLACKSBURG – As the Hokies’ 2024 football campaign has now begun with Phase Four, the team is only a few short weeks away from their first action against Vanderbilt on Aug. 31. Every week of Fall Camp, the position preview series, presented by Farm Bureau Insurance, will break down the Virginia Tech football roster. In this position preview, let’s look at the Hokies’ running back room, which looks to grow off of an explosive ground game that propelled them to a bowl game victory last season. 

It comes as no surprise to Tech fans that Paulsboro, New Jersey native Bhayshul Tuten will be the first option in running backs coach Elijah Brooks’ offensive scheme. Tuten started all 13 games in 2023, posting 863 rushing yards on 173 attempts along with 10 rushing touchdowns on the year. His dual-threat ability was also demonstrated with a pair of touchdowns in the air, hauling in 27 passes for 239 yards last fall. Tuten’s accomplishments on the ground earned him All-ACC Third Team running back and All-ACC Second Team All-Purpose recognition. Combining this with Tuten’s inclusion in the Paul Hornung Award watch list, given to the country’s most versatile player, it makes sense why he holds RB1 status. 

Additionally, Tuten’s versatility as a kick returner was on display, as he tallied 19 returns for 550 yards along with touchdowns against Florida State and in-state rival Virginia. An impressive two-touchdown and 136-yard affair in the Military Bowl last December only increases expectations for his production this season. 

Supporting Tuten will be redshirt junior Malachi Thomas. Thomas posted respectable numbers as an RB2 last year and looks to blossom into a solid option out of the backfield this fall. The 6-foot speedster played in all 13 games last year and rushed for 381 yards on 81 attempts for an average of 4.6 yards per carry. The Hartwell, Georgia native also caught nine passes for 49 yards during the season and returned five kicks for 81 yards. Thomas’ best game came against Syracuse, where a season-high 87 rushing yards accompanied a passing touchdown to WR Da’Quan Felton en route to a 38-10 victory. The gifted tailback showcased most of his skillset last year through the inside running game, so look for him to reprise the same role this season.

While Tuten and Thomas have RB1 and RB2 locked up respectively, question marks still exist around who will be a part of the primary rotation. As Tech progresses through camp, it seems that the battle will be between backs P.J. Prioleau, Jeremiah Coney and Tyler Mason. Out of the three backs, only Coney has seen game experience within the role. However, running back implications for Prioleau only grew after an impressive spring game showing, where he tallied 62 rushing yards including a 31-yard rushing touchdown. Keep your eyes peeled to see who offensive coordinator Tyler Bowen and company decide to slot as RB3.  

Led by Tuten and Thomas, the Hokies’ ground game looks to excel this season starting on Aug. 31 against Vanderbilt. Make sure to purchase single-game tickets so you don’t miss a moment of the action.