Houston is now filled with the energy of Woody Marks’ name. The former USC Trojan and Mississippi State Bulldog, who was selected by the Texans in the fourth round of the 2025 NFL Draft, epitomizes the growing movement toward hybrid running backs—athletes who can sprint, catch, and improvise in real time. His game, which is based on anticipation and agility, seems incredibly well-suited to the modern era of multifaceted, fast-paced offenses.
Even though Marks isn’t particularly tall—he stands 5 feet 10 inches and weighs 207 pounds—his presence on the field is definitely commanding. He is extremely versatile, according to coaches and analysts, and can cut through defensive lines with fluid movements that look more choreographed than forced. In his season at USC, Marks amassed over 1,100 rushing yards and nine touchdowns, solidifying his status as one of the most versatile playmakers in college football.
Prior to his brief but significant time at USC, Marks played four seasons at Mississippi State, where he was notable for his consistency. In addition to breaking school records, his 60 receptions as a freshman also marked a change in the way teams thought about running backs. He was more than just a ball-runner; he was a play-maker who frequently served as the link between strategy and execution. He demonstrated that a running back could lead in ways that are typically reserved for wide receivers by setting Mississippi State’s all-time reception record by his senior year.
Woody Marks – Profile Overview
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Jo’Quavious Dequane “Woody” Marks |
| Date of Birth | December 29, 2000 |
| Height | 5 ft 10 in |
| Weight | 207 lbs |
| Birthplace | Atlanta, Georgia |
| High School | Carver High School, Atlanta |
| College Teams | Mississippi State Bulldogs (2020–2023), USC Trojans (2024) |
| Drafted By | Houston Texans (Round 4, Pick 116 – 2025 NFL Draft) |
| Position | Running Back |
| Notable Stats | 1,133 rushing yards and 9 TDs at USC (2024 season) |
| Fun Fact | Nicknamed “Woody” due to his childhood love for Toy Story |
| Reference | Wikipedia – Woody Marks |
His move to the NFL has been especially intriguing in recent months. At first glance, the Houston Texans’ selection of Marks at No. 116 overall appeared to be modest. However, it is currently regarded by analysts as one of the most significantly enhanced backfield tactics in recent drafts. The Texans saw what others missed: a player with the rhythm, balance, and instinct to precisely fit into today’s quarterback schemes.
Marks brought to Houston a playbook of habits that are incredibly effective under duress by drawing on his experience in Lincoln Riley’s offensive scheme at USC. He makes small adjustments that add up to big gains by reading defenses before the snap. Together with his athletic fluidity, this mental acuity has greatly decreased Houston’s margin for error when calling plays.
Marks shot to fame in an NFL defining game against the Tennessee Titans. Each of his 17 carries for 69 yards and four receptions for 50 yards resulted in two touchdowns, each one seemingly prearranged to highlight his increasing impact. The way he presented the numbers was just as impressive as the numbers themselves. A player in total control, an athlete at ease in chaos, was reflected in his cool, collected pace. Supporters compared his poise to that of Alvin Kamara in his early career, noting how strikingly similar their styles and poise are.
Marks is grounded and almost disarmingly humble in interviews. With a tone as steady as his runs, he told local reporters, “I just want to help the team win.” However, there is a highly analytical rival hidden behind that modesty. He is extremely efficient on the field due to his quick processing of plays, which sets him apart from other players. He was publicly praised by Houston’s head coach, DeMeco Ryans, who described him as “a difference-maker with a veteran’s discipline.”
From this perspective, Woody Marks’ success appears more like a culmination than a surprise. He is a representative of a generation of athletes who were taught early on that longevity is equal to versatility. His ability to adjust mid-play is indicative of a larger trend in professional sports, where mental acuity and flexibility are now just as important as strength and speed.
Intriguingly, Marks’ ascent resembles some celebrity career paths—those who enter subtly but subtly change industries. Consider how Jeremy Allen White’s subtle acting became well-known or how Billie Eilish transformed pop music. That same spirit permeates Marks’ game, which is subtly disruptive, constantly changing, and surprisingly powerful.
After years of rebuilding, the Houston Texans, who frequently struggle to find their identity, seem to have found the solution in plain sight. Marks is a versatile system player who can revive offensive momentum when other options falter. He is more than just a running back. The Texans have restored their offensive rhythm’s balance by incorporating him more thoroughly into passing schemes, which had been lacking since DeAndre Hopkins left.
His rise serves as a reminder of the NFL’s continuous process of redefining value. Teams are reconsidering the definition of “draft steal.” In a league where defensive stars and marquee quarterbacks predominate, fourth-round selections like Marks serve as a reminder to fans that greatness frequently develops subtly. By adopting his hybrid style, Houston has established itself as an organization leading the way in a more dynamic offensive philosophy rather than just as a team going through a transition.
Off the field, people can relate to Marks’ story. He was questioned early on and frequently written off as “too small” for prestigious programs after growing up in Atlanta. However, he used those criticisms as motivation to gain records, scholarships, and now recognition in his field. His path exemplifies tenacity that is strikingly evident—a tribute to people who change rather than fit in.
