Ex-Virginia Tech RB Bhayshul Tuten, Known To Be Turnover-Prone, Fumbles On First OTA Snap

Jacksonville Jaguars rookie RB Bhayshul Tuten seemed to miss the mark when it came to making a strong first impression—something that matters most for proving you belong at the professional level.

Before being drafted in the fourth round of the 2025 NFL Draft, he already carried concerns about ball security, having fumbled nine times in his last two seasons at Virginia Tech. Unfortunately, that issue could’ve followed him to the NFL, where he put the ball on the ground on his very first attempt during team drills.

Jaguars Rookie Bhayshul Tuten Fumbles First NFL Carry as Turnover Woes Resurface

The Jacksonville Jaguars kicked off their first official OTA practice under new head coach Liam Coen. But for rookie running back Bhayshul Tuten, it was a debut he’ll want to forget.

On his very first carry in a live team setting, he fumbled the ball—something that could easily cost a team a game in a critical moment.

Oof: Jaguars rookie RB Bhayshul Tuten, who fumbled nine times in his last two college seasons, fumbled on his first carry in a live team setting:

“He put the ball on the ground today, that kinda stands out…Good learning experience, first time in a live setting in the National… pic.twitter.com/ub1o4lbnb6

— Dov Kleiman (@NFL_DovKleiman) May 20, 2025

Head coach Liam Coen didn’t ignore the mistake. After practice, he addressed the fumble, offering a measured response and a bit of encouragement.

“He put the ball on the ground today, that kinda stands out… Good learning experience, first time in a live setting in the National Football League on your first carry… hopefully you learn something from that moment.”

While Coen remains hopeful, it’s hard to overlook the concern. The 23-year-old is competing for a spot in a crowded running back room alongside Travis Etienne, Tank Bigsby, and fellow rookie LeQuint Allen. In a competition that tight, every rep matters.

Tuten was a standout at Virginia Tech, showcasing elite speed and explosiveness. He ran a 4.32-second 40-yard dash at the NFL Scouting Combine—the fastest among running backs. Despite his impressive athleticism, ball security concerns were the main reason he slipped to a later round in the NFL Draft. And now, those same issues are even more noticeable.

The Jaguars want to lean on their running game to support quarterback Trevor Lawrence, so protecting the football is a top priority in their offense. That’s why his fumble is now becoming a serious concern for the team.

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However, this doesn’t mean the former Virginia Tech star’s NFL journey is over. Now that he has access to better coaching and a more structured environment, there’s hope he can fix that issue quickly. If he manages to correct that one flaw, his value could skyrocket among NFL running backs.

Rookies often get reps in the preseason. The first of these games will be on Saturday, August 9 will be against the Pittsburgh Steelers. His first opportunity at regular-season play will come on Sunday, September 7 against the Carolina Panthers.

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