Everything You Need to Know About Woody Marks

Woody Marks is a rookie running back for the Houston Texans, drafted in the 4th round (116th overall) of the 2025 NFL Draft. Born Jo'Quavious Dequane Marks on December 29, 2000, in Atlanta, Georgia, he has quickly made a name for himself as a dual-threat back. While his professional journey has taken him to Houston, his time in Los Angeles at USC solidified his reputation as an athlete who understands the importance of community and peak physical conditioning—values we hold dear at Edible LA.

Here's a quick snapshot of what you need to know:

Before reaching the NFL, Marks built an impressive college resume — setting records as a receiving back at Mississippi State and leading USC in rushing in 2024. His story runs from the high school fields of Atlanta's Carver High School all the way to the NFL stage, with a significant stop in the heart of Los Angeles.

Simple * woody marks* glossary:

Before he was lighting up professional scoreboards, * woody marks* was a standout in the collegiate ranks, proving that he could handle the rigors of two very different football conferences. We watched him evolve from a pass-catching specialist in the SEC to a workhorse runner right here in Los Angeles for the USC Trojans. In a city that celebrates both elite athleticism and a farm-to-table approach to wellness, Marks found his stride by fueling his performance with the best of what L.A. has to offer.

His collegiate career was defined by consistent production. Whether he was catching a screen pass or hitting a gap between the tackles, Marks showed a level of versatility that is rare in today’s game. After four productive years in Starkville, his transition to the Pac-12 in 2024 was seamless, cementing his status as a top-tier NFL prospect while he embraced the local culture of Southern California.

As we can see from his Career stats at Sports Reference, Marks wasn't just a role player; he was the engine of his respective offenses. At USC, he took his game to another level, leading the team with 1,133 rushing yards and proving he could be a primary "bell-cow" back.

At Mississippi State, * woody marks* became a household name thanks to his incredible hands. Playing under the late Mike Leach in the famed "Air Raid" offense, Marks was frequently used as a safety valve for his quarterbacks. This system allowed him to showcase his unique skill set, leading to several school records.

Most notably, he set the Mississippi State record for the most career receptions by a running back, finishing his time there with a staggering 261 catches. To put that in perspective, many wide receivers don't reach those numbers in a four-year career. He also set the program record for freshman receptions with 60 in 2020. You can read more about his Mississippi State receptions record details to see how he surpassed Bulldog legends.

Transitioning to the NFL is never easy, but * woody marks* has handled the jump with the poise of a veteran. Selected by the Houston Texans in the 4th round of the 2025 NFL Draft, he joined a young, ascending team led by quarterback C.J. Stroud.

During his rookie campaign, Marks has established himself as a reliable piece of the Texans' backfield. Through the first part of the 2025 season, he has amassed 703 rushing yards on 196 attempts. While his 3.6 yards-per-carry average might seem modest, his value in the passing game and his ability to find the end zone (5 total touchdowns in the regular season) have made him indispensable. One of the most highlight-reel moments of his season came on a strange goal-line play where a snap went through Stroud's legs; Marks recovered the fumble and turned it into a touchdown.

For those of us tracking his professional progress, the NFL stats at Pro Football Reference tell a story of a player who is always around the ball. He even stepped up in the playoffs, recording a massive 112-yard rushing performance against Pittsburgh, showing he can perform when the lights are brightest.

For the fantasy football enthusiasts in our community, * woody marks* has been a fascinating study in "volume versus efficiency." Since Week 10 of the 2025 season, Marks has seen a significant jump in his usage. We've seen him handle a 71.1% snap share, averaging roughly 20 touches per game.

While he currently sits around the RB35 mark in fantasy points per game, his high floor makes him a valuable asset in PPR (Point Per Reception) leagues. The main thing holding back his fantasy ceiling has been a lack of touchdowns in recent weeks, despite his high volume. However, matchups against teams like Arizona, who have struggled with explosive run rates and missed tackles, provide a high upside for managers looking for a "workhorse" start.

Unfortunately, health is currently a factor. Marks recently exited a game against the Cardinals with an ankle injury. If he misses time, the Texans will likely turn to Dare Ogunbowale and Jawhar Jordan to fill the void.

Currently rostered in over 80% of leagues, * woody marks* is no longer a secret. He was a popular late-round flier that has paid off for managers who prioritized backfield touches. His value is deeply rooted in his receiving floor; even on days when the running lanes are clogged, he usually chips in a few catches to keep his point total respectable.

Heading into Week 15, his status is "questionable," but if he plays, he remains a viable RB2 or Flex option depending on the depth of your league. His dependency on touchdowns is real, but with a quarterback like Stroud moving the ball, those opportunities are usually plentiful.

What makes * woody marks* such a durable and effective player? It starts with his physical build. Standing at 5-10 and weighing 208 pounds, he has the "low center of gravity" that scouts love in a running back. Maintaining this elite physique requires a dedication to nutrition that aligns with the seasonal, whole-food principles we advocate for at Edible LA.

At the NFL Combine, Marks posted some solid numbers that confirmed his athletic ability:

But beyond the stats and the drills, there is the man behind the nickname. Born Jo'Quavious, he has been known as "Woody" since he was a small child. The name stems from his childhood obsession with the character Sheriff Woody from the Toy Story film franchise. It’s a bit of personal branding that has stuck with him through high school, college, and now the pros. We love a player with a bit of character, and Marks certainly brings that to the field, much like the unique artisans and personalities we profile in the L.A. food scene.

As of late 2025, * woody marks* is dealing with an ankle injury sustained during a matchup against the Arizona Cardinals. He is currently listed as questionable. His availability for Week 15 and beyond is a major talking point for both the Houston Texans and fantasy football managers. If he is unable to go, expect a "running back by committee" approach from Houston.

His nickname "Woody" is a tribute to his favorite childhood movie character, Sheriff Woody from Toy Story. His mother reportedly gave him the nickname because he was obsessed with the character as a toddler, and it has followed him throughout his entire football career.

Marks showed off his explosiveness at the combine with a 4.52-second 40-yard dash and a 35-inch vertical jump. He also displayed solid strength for his size, putting up 18 reps on the bench press. These metrics helped solidify his status as a mid-round draft pick.

From his record-breaking days in the SEC to his time leading the ground game at USC, * woody marks* has proven that he belongs on the big stage. His rookie season with the Houston Texans has been a testament to his hard work and versatility. Whether he’s catching passes out of the backfield or grinding out tough yards in the red zone, he has become a vital part of the Texans' future core.

As we continue to follow the stories of athletes who have made their mark on the Los Angeles sports scene, we are reminded of the importance of community and the journey these players take. Just as we celebrate the local harvest and the artisans in our neighborhoods, we celebrate the dedication of players like Marks who understand that peak performance is rooted in the quality of our environment and nutrition. For more stories on the people and places that make our region unique, check out our info about local agriculture and community gardens. Whether it's on the field or in the garden, we are here to share the best of L.A. with you.