HOUSTON – The Houston Texans made a strategic move during the 2025 NFL Draft, selecting USC running back Jo’Quavious “Woody” Marks with the 116th overall pick in the fourth round. This decision came after the Texans traded up, sending their 2026 third-round pick along with the 179th pick in this year's draft to the Miami Dolphins in exchange for the 116th and 224th picks.
Marks, who stands at 5-foot-10 and weighs 213 pounds, is celebrated for his exceptional ability to catch passes out of the backfield, showcasing both patience and decisiveness as a runner with impressive vision. His nickname, "Woody," was affectionately given to him by his grandmother, inspired by his childhood obsession with the “Toy Story” movies—so much so that he would cry if the film wasn’t playing. He even donned a Woody costume for seven consecutive Halloweens.
In his final season at USC, Marks rushed for an impressive 1,133 yards and scored nine touchdowns, while also catching 47 passes for 321 yards. His performance at USC marked a significant improvement after transferring from Mississippi State, where he had a notable college career. Over four years with the Bulldogs, he amassed 1,883 rushing yards and 22 touchdowns, alongside 1,225 receiving yards and five touchdown catches.
During his time at Mississippi State, Marks played under Mike Leach’s Air Raid offense, which emphasized passing over rushing. Despite this, he demonstrated his versatility and effectiveness as a receiving back, finishing his college career with 261 receptions and 1,400 receiving yards. In 2021, he ranked 19th in total receptions among all college football players, a commendable feat for a running back.
Marks' athleticism was on display at the NFL Combine, where he ran the 40-yard dash in 4.54 seconds. He also recorded a 1.57-second split in the 10-yard dash, a 35-inch vertical leap, a 9-foot-11 broad jump, and a 4.24-second short shuttle. He bench pressed 225 pounds 18 times, showcasing his strength and conditioning. His overall performance earned him a 6.66 Relative Athletic Score, indicating average size-adjusted athleticism.
As the Texans look to bolster their backfield, Marks joins a running backs room currently led by veteran Joe Mixon. While Marks has shown great promise as a pass-catching back, he will need to carve out a significant role behind Mixon. Fantasy football analysts have noted that Marks could emerge as a valuable asset, especially in PPR leagues, due to his receiving capabilities.
Marks’ journey to the NFL has been shaped by his family background in sports. Growing up in Atlanta, he was influenced by his mother and older brother, both of whom played sports. Marks began playing football at the age of eight and also participated in baseball and basketball during his middle school years, even earning letters in track during high school.
The Texans' decision to trade up for Marks reflects their commitment to enhancing their roster and finding talent that can contribute immediately. His ability to catch passes and run effectively could provide the Texans with a dynamic option in their offensive scheme.
As the Texans prepare for the upcoming season, the addition of Marks is expected to create competition within the running back position. With his blend of speed, agility, and hands, Marks could quickly become a fan favorite in Houston.
In summary, Jo’Quavious “Woody” Marks is set to make his mark in the NFL after a successful collegiate career. The Texans’ investment in him signals their belief in his potential to thrive at the professional level. With the draft now behind them, all eyes will be on Marks as he transitions to the NFL and aims to prove his worth on the field.
