EAST GREENSBORO – North Carolina A&T sophomore running back Bhayshul Tuten has made the list. 

On Thursday, STATS Perform released the latest names on its Walter Payton Watch List for the 2022 season. The winner at season's end is considered the best offensive player in Division I-FCS football. While Tuten did not make the preseason list, his recent string of 100-yard rushing performances now has him among seven new running backs who added to the list. 

Tuten was the only Big South Conference player added to the list on Thursday, and he was one of three players from a historically black college or university (HBCU) added. 

After only a 20-yard rushing performance against N.C. Central during the Aggies season opener at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, Tuten has rushed for more than 100 yards in five consecutive games. He tied the school record held by Tarik Cohen last Saturday when he rushed for 103 yards and two touchdowns on 14 carries in a 45-7 win over Edward Waters.

Two of Tuten's 100-yard rushing performances this season have come against the then No. 1 team in FCS, North Dakota State, and ACC opponent Duke. On the season, Tuten has rushed for 637 yards and six touchdowns on 97 carries. He also has 16 receptions for 164 yards and a touchdown. 

Nationally, he ranks 11th in rushing yards, 14th in yards per carry (6.57), 14th in yards per game (106.2), and 30th in total touchdowns (7). He leads the Big South in all four categories. Tuten is also 15th nationally and second in the Big South in all-purpose yards per game (128.5). 

"His importance grows weekly," said A&T coach Sam Washington about Tuten. "He's just a special young guy with all the tools and the desire. It is rare to get those combinations from one player. When you do, you have something special. When I say he practices with the same effort and the same energy, I'm not joking. He has one speed, and that's wide open. I think that makes all of us better."