Woody Marks has been one of the best receiving running backs in college football over the last five years, and his scouting report evaluates what impact he might have at the next level.
2025 NFL Draft Scouting Report and Film Analysis of USC Running Back Woody Marks
Measurables:
Height- 5’10”
Weight- 207 lbs
Player Background:
Marks was a four-star recruit from Carver High School in Atlanta, Ga. He committed to Mississippi State and had 312 yards on 70 carries as a freshman. In his sophomore season, he led the Bulldogs in carries and total touchdowns with nine total touchdowns. In 2022, he led the team in all major rushing statistics and finished second on the team in receptions with 48. Marks transferred to USC in 2024 and started in 12 games, rushing for over 1,000 for the first time in his career, along with nine rushing touchdowns. He earned Second Team All-Big Ten honors.
Strengths:
Marks’ biggest standout trait is his receiving ability. Marks was able to spend the first three seasons of his career developing his receiving skills as a high-volume pass catcher in Mike Leach’s air raid offense. He is arguably the best pass-catching back in this year’s draft class, with smooth route running, incredibly reliable hands, and the ability to consistently catch the ball away from his frame. Marks caught over 45 passes in four of his five seasons in college, including 83 receptions in his sophomore season in 2021. He is also a really solid and willing blocker in pass protection.
As a runner, Marks is patient. He lets plays develop and is a smart decision-maker with solid burst. In open space, Marks has the elusiveness and change of direction speed to make defenders miss. He also has tremendous ball security and rarely fumbles the football.
Weaknesses:
Marks is a bit on the smaller side and is not a powerful running back. He has subpar contact balance, gets taken down on first contact too often, and does not consistently successfully fight through arm tackles.
Marks isn’t a slow runner, but he lacks truly great breakaway speed. He is not a big home run play threat and can be caught from behind by defenders. Marks is an older prospect who will be 25 years old by the end of next season. While Marks had consistent overall production throughout his career, on the ground, he only had one season of over 1,000 rushing yards in his five-year college career.
Potential Team Fits:
NFL Projection:
Marks will likely never be a workhorse running back in the NFL, but his skill set could add a ton of value to an NFL offense. He is a smart and shifty runner who offers a ton of upside as a receiving threat out of the backfield. On the ground, Marks has the vision and elusiveness needed to be a quality runner. He isn’t overly powerful and likely won’t have many home run plays. However, he can pick up a few sizable gains on the ground. Marks has the ability to contribute great production in a strong running back committee as a dangerous third-down running back.
Prospect Grade:
Fourth Round
Main Photo: [Kirby Lee] – USA Today Sports
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