After clocking a blazing 4.32 at the combine, the explosive running back enters his sophomore season even faster, ready to seize the starting role in Jacksonville’s revamped backfield.
Jacksonville Jaguars running back Bhayshul Tuten ran a 4.32-second 40-yard dash at the NFL Scouting Combine last year; this year, Tuten said he’s gotten faster.
The 40-yard dash is a drill that significantly impacts a prospect's draft stock. It serves as a measuring stick for how a player’s speed can make an on-field impact to generate problems for opposing teams.
Tuten’s 4.32-second 40-yard dash ranked fifth amongst all participants in last year’s combine. If the former Virginia Tech Hokie has gotten faster, he’s ready for a breakout sophomore campaign.
“I haven’t really opened up yet, but I know my mechanics are still good,” Tuten said. “So I don’t think the 4.32 was my best run. There are some things about it I didn’t like.”
Tuten’s speed helps him reach the second and third levels of the defense easily. It lays the foundation for breakaway runs that get the crowd jumping at EverBank Stadium.
The 23-year-old’s longest rush last season was for 15 yards, which isn’t too impressive. However, he split carries with lead running back Travis Etienne Jr. and totaled 83 carries, 177 fewer than the newly departed Jaguar.
Etienne Jr. signed with the New Orleans Saints in free agency, which has opened space for the lead running back role. Jacksonville also signed former Washington Commanders running back Chris Rodriguez Jr. and former Indianapolis Colts running back Ameer Abdullah.
The depth has created competition in the running back room, but there is one less competitor. Rodriguez Jr. underwent successful left foot surgery and should be ready for training camp.
“He went down, and he’s going through some things, but you know, we have to pick up the load,” Tuten told reporters. “That’s just how it is as an NFL athlete, and you know, being a running back, when one man goes down, the others get to step up.”
Rodriguez Jr.‘s absence has given Tuten and the rest of the running backs more reps. For Tuten, more reps mean more time adjusting to an offense that maximizes his skills.
Offensive coordinator Grant Udinski said he’s been impressed with Tuten this offseason. The Jaguars are staying true to their message from several months ago about leaning into Tuten’s strengths.
“They’re thinking about, you know, different ways to give me the ball and make it easier on me,” Tuten said. “Just go out there and play fast, I think it helps a lot. I think it’ll help this offense.”
Tuten is likely to become the lead running back next season, and the signs point to an increased role. Rodriguez Jr.’s injury and the coaching staff leaning into his strengths to fit the 5-foot-9 running back's skill set highlight the trust and high expectations Jacksonville has for its 2025 fourth-round draft pick.
Tuten’s sophomore campaign could be a breakout season that powers the Jaguars running game even without Etienne Jr.
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