Virginia Tech Running Back Keshawn King Enters Transfer Portal

By: David Cunningham | Managing Editor
Virginia Tech running back Keshawn King entered the transfer portal on Wednesday. (Ivan Morozov)

On Wednesday afternoon, Virginia Tech running back Keshawn King announced his decision to enter the transfer portal.

A redshirt junior from Apopka, Fla., King rushed for 900 yards and six touchdowns on 182 carries in four seasons with the Hokies. He was an explosive threat for Tech in 2022, accounting for 680 all-purpose yards as a back, receiver and kick returner. His 65-yard touchdown against Boston College in September was the longest play of his career.

As a true freshman in 2019, King made an immediate impact, tallying 340 yards on the ground and another 154 through the air. In 2020, he appeared in just three games and never recorded an offensive snap. His production slightly increased in 2021 with 117 rushing yards.

However, it was 2022 when had the most success. With Malachi Thomas sidelined for much of the season with an injury, King was the featured back. Though he dealt with some injuries, he averaged a team-best 6.0 yards per carry. 

On Friday, Jan. 13, Virginia Tech picked up a commitment from North Carolina A&T running back Bhayshul Tuten. The Paulsboro, N.J. native totaled 1,363 yards and 13 touchdowns on 208 attempts for the Aggies in 2022, and he finished the season with 11 consecutive 100-yard games on the ground.

Tuten’s addition took the Hokies to eight scholarship running backs. King’s departure brings the number back down to seven: Tuten, Thomas, Chance Black, Kenji Christian, Bryce Duke, Jeremiah Coney and Tralon Mitchell.

King is the 11th player to leave the Hokies’ program since the season ended in November. For a full breakdown of the 2023 Virginia Tech roster, click here.

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  2. Would average 8 yds a carry in games last yr and be outcarried by the guy averaging 3 ypc 3 to 1. He is very talented and will be good somewhere else. He couldn’t stay healthy and struggled with fumbles and pass protection, but could be elite somewhere that runs more than inside zone and allows rbs to catch the ball..

  3. Good Luck KK! TY for being a Hokie – once a is always a!

    Tuten and Thomas = 1 & 2 u pick the order…KK was odd man out. KK needs to stay healthy and that is tough as a thin RB.

    Everyone has choices – players and teams/coaches.

    Go Hokies!

  4. I hope Keshawn gets a fresh start and is successful in football but more importantly, in life. A good young man IMHO.

  6. I think some place that can make use of his speed, small size and inconsistent ball security will allow him to excel. He could tear it up at NC A&T

  7. Hate to see him leave, but I am sure there are difficult conversations being had right now. His playing time would have been reduced next year, so best for both sides I guess.

    Next man up, whatever his name might be…

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