A rookie making noise.
Jo’Quavious “Woody” Marks is a 2025 fourth-round pick by the Houston Texans who has begun turning heads early in his pro career.
He played college football first at Mississippi State before transferring to USC for the 2024 season.
At USC in 2024, Marks rushed for 1,133 yards and nine touchdowns while adding 47 receptions for 321 yards.
He is already gaining a reputation as a dual threat — dangerous in both rushing and receiving roles.
The man behind the helmet
His nickname comes from childhood. He loved Toy Story so much that he dressed as Woody for seven Halloweens in a row.
Raised in Atlanta, he grew up with his mother and older brother, and was a multi-sport athlete through high school.
He earned a Bachelor’s degree in Kinesiology at Mississippi State before beginning work on a certificate in Gerontology at USC.
A breakout against the Titans
In Houston’s 26-0 shutout win over Tennessee, Marks announced himself as more than just a rookie option.
He carried the ball 17 times for 69 yards, added four receptions for 50 yards and scored twice.
One touchdown came on an 18-yard run, the other on a red-zone screen pass from C.J. Stroud.
That showing has pushed the conversation about lead running back firmly in his direction.
Why the talk is warranted
Joe Mixon is currently sidelined on the Reserve/Non-Football Injury list, leaving the Texans’ backfield more open.
Veterans Nick Chubb and Dameon Pierce remain in the rotation, but Marks has injected youthful energy and urgency.
His versatility is the biggest difference. He has always been a high-volume receiver out of the backfield, catching more than 260 passes during his college career.
That skill has already translated to the NFL, giving Houston another dimension on offense.
Caution flags and competition
It is still too early to crown him the main running back for the rest of the season.
Chubb has the track record and remains the steady presence in the locker room. Pierce is still fighting to keep his own share of the workload.
Marks also has questions to answer about durability. He logged heavy carries in college and will need careful management if he is to thrive through a full NFL season.
The Texans offensive line must also continue to improve, otherwise no running back — however talented — can shine consistently.
My view: Top dog in the making
Marks’ performance against Tennessee was more than just a flash.
He showed poise, versatility and the ability to step up in a game Houston needed to win.
With Mixon out, Chubb steady and Pierce battling, Marks has an opening to claim the lead role.
If he continues on this path, it will not just be about depth charts. He could soon be seen as the heartbeat of the Texans backfield.
