Which Former Virginia Tech Stars Have The Most To Gain At the 2025 NFL Combine?
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The NFL Combine begins tomorrow and some former Hokies have a lot to prove heading into the biggest stage for NFL prospects. Running back Bhayshul Tuten, wide receivers Da'Quan Felton and Jaylin Lane, defensive linemen Aeneas Peebles and Antwaun Powell-Ryland, and cornerback Dorian Strong all have tough paths ahead of them, but with good combine performances, everything is possible.
The one player who sticks out as the player with the most to gain is certainly Bhayshul Tuten. He was the best player on Virginia Tech’s offense by far and he has all of the tools to run a 40 yard dash time close to 4.30. Tuten and Ashton Jeanty were two of the best running backs in the country against contact.
Run Game Physicality:
— parker fleming (@statsowar) December 5, 2024
Broken+Missed Tackles and Yards After Contact Per Attempt pic.twitter.com/Lpncs49PbH
Ashton Jeanty, Cam Skattebo, and Bhayshul Tuten have the most plays with multiple tackles avoided since 2014.
Most plays with multiple tackles avoided in the college PFF Era (since 2014)
— CFBNumbers (@CFBNumbers) February 24, 2025
1. Ashton Jeanty - 61
2. Cam Skattebo - 58
3. Bhayshul Tuten - 49 pic.twitter.com/yFWw7WbUQe
If Tuten can show his gamebreaking speed at the combine, he can continue his effortless climb up NFL Draft rankings. Although there isn’t a “broken tackle” drill, Tuten could gain some ground on Boise State’s Ashton Jeanty, as he will not participate in NFL Combine drills. If Tuten overimpresses in all of his drills, it’s very possible that Tuten’s draft stock could jump all the way into the first round.
Trevor Sikkema of PFF claimed that Tuten was a “sleeper to watch” at the 2025 NFL Combine:
“Tuten started his college career atNorth Carolina A&T, where he rushed for over 1,300 yards as a sophomore before making the jump to the ACC atVirginia Tech. Feldman reported that Tuten can hit almost 40 inches in the vertical, was clocked at over 23 MPH in a game and has hit 4.32 seconds in the 40-yard dash. He is an elite athlete of the backfield who can stand out among a crowded running back class. His 0.33 missed tackles forced rate would rank in the 95th percentile compared to recently drafted backs.”
Additional Links
2025 NFL Combine: PFF Names Pair of Former Virginia Tech Stars As Top Names To Watch This Week
2025 NFL Draft Profile - Virginia Tech Edge Rusher Antwaun Powell-Ryland
Former Virginia Tech Quarterback Michael Vick Says He Should Have Won The Heisman Trophy in 1999
RJ Schafer joined the On SI team in 2024, contributing to the coverage of Major League Baseball, Collegiate Basketball, and Collegiate Football at https://www.si.com/college/virginiatech/. Prior to this, RJ built a strong portfolio covering Georgia Tech and the Tigers for the Bleav Network. With a solid background in sports journalism, RJ has conducted interviews with both collegiate and professional athletes, enhancing the depth and authenticity of his reporting. RJ's extensive experience in the sports industry has equipped him with a keen understanding of the dynamics and intricacies of both collegiate and professional sports. His work is focused on providing insightful analysis and comprehensive coverage, making him a trusted voice in the sports community.
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