Tuten had 307 yards on 83 carries with five touchdowns last season. He added 10 catches for 79 yards and two TDs. In the playoff game, Coen noted the RB saw just four carries but went for 51 yards, including three consecutive punts of 20, 14 and 13 yards to help set up an early touchdown.
As with most rookie RBs, there were learning curves for Tuten, who also had some concerns with a fumbled preseason (fumbled twice in regular season, lost one). However, the speed combined with short yardage ability gives Tuten a combination that could give him a chance to be a #1 RB.
Coen has seen progress from running back from Year 1 to Year 2.
“Now it’s more, he was so conscientious about ball security last year and did the right thing,” Coen said. “Okay, Tuten, you get it. You better get it. Now just go be you, like go do what got you here. Go be special, that’s who you are. And we definitely expect Tuten to have a big year for us.”
The contract of Rodriguez, who spent one year with Coen at Kentucky, suggests there will be a shared backfield. But Tuten’s benefit is greater than the rest of the crew. The second-year lightning back will get a chance to prove he deserves the Week 1 carry.
If he lives up to Coen’s expectations, Tuten’s bags could soar even higher as the season progresses.