As Jacksonville moves on from Travis Etienne, explosive second-year back Bhayshul Tuten faces immense pressure to silence skeptics and transform a young backfield into an elite unit.
There aren't a lot of believers in the Jacksonville Jaguars' stable of running backs this season.
The Jaguars allowed Travis Etienne, their top back since entering the league with quarterback Trevor Lawrence in 2021, to walk in free agency. Instead of making a splash free-agent signing or using a high draft pick to replace him, Jacksonville is instead trusting second-year RB Bhayshul Tuten to be its top option.
While the Jags did bring in Chris Rodriguez Jr. from the Washington Commanders, their decision to roll with a stable of RBs who are unproven was a big factor in Jacksonville's off-season being graded so poorly.
Even though Tuten has blazing speed and is an explosive runner, most national media aren't convinced he will have success as a lead back.
However, at least one prominent analyst is a big fan of Tuten. Pete Prisco of CBS Sports made an appearance on 1010XL's The Frangie Show and said he believes Tuten has "star potential."
Prisco Has Been A Fan Of Tuten Since College
As reported by Cassandra Chesser of Jaguars Wire, Prisco told The Frangie Show that he has been a fan of Tuten since his college days at Virginia Tech and expects big things from the youngster this year.
"'I'm bullish on Tuten,' he said. 'I think Tuten has star potential. I really do. I thought it coming out of school. I loved him at Virginia Tech. He was one of my favorite guys. And I don't think he got used quite enough last year. And I know the fumbling early on was a concern. They were concerned about his fumbling. But I think he's got a chance to be really special in the backfield.'"
Prisco is right about the fumbling problem. That is something Tuten must prove is in the past if he wants to be Jacksonville's bell-cow.
Not The Consensus
It is nice to see a voice as prominent as Prisco's speak so highly of Tuten. It is certainly not the consensus of the national media.
Many are calling running back the biggest issue of the Jaguars' roster, and believe the lack of a true workhorse to replace Etienne could be the downfall of an otherwise potent offense.
Tuten is being trusted with the largest role of his burgeoning NFL career in 2026. Until he proves he can be a capable RB1, there will continue to be plenty of doubt surrounding him. He has been a standout during OTAs and minicamp, taking full advantage of increased opportunities with Rodriguez injured.
Rodriguez is expected to be fully healthy for training camp, and we will finally get to see the competition between him and Tuten that was expected to happen all offseason.
Training camp offers Tuten another opportunity to prove himself as Jacksonville's top back. He will have to fend off Rodriguez, who brings a completely different skill set to the backfield.
Final Thoughts
Tuten won't be able to silence his doubters until the real games begin. However, his breakaway speed makes him a dangerous runner who can have a tremendous impact.
While it may be a stretch to believe he can make up for Etienne's production on his own, the combination of Tuten, Rodriguez, and LeQuint Allen Jr. should give Jacksonville a strong backfield.
Prisco, like the Jaguars, believes in Tuten's potential. He not only thinks he can be a capable starter, but that he can become a star.
Hopefully, the talented back can prove them both right this season.
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