USC RB Jo'quavious 'Woody' Marks Explains What Could Make Him an Alvin Kamara-Like Prospect

"It was pretty helpful (playing in both situations). I was catching the ball in the backfield at Mississippi State, but I was also in between the tackles and running between the tackles," Marks told me.

Playing for the Trojans was practically the opposite of that.

Going to USC was pretty different, you know, running the ball inside and running different types of schemes so coaches can see that I can run these types of schemes and pick them up quickly," Marks continued.

Between those two things, Marks presents the complete package and says he thinks he brings a lot of similar traits to the table to Saints running back Alvin Kamara. He's a standout that many across the NFL have tried to replicate, but none have been nearly as successful as Kamara has to this point.

"I bring that type of (Alvin Kamara-like) game to the table in an extreme manner," Marks said. "He is an every down back who can block, who can split out wide, you don't have to take him off of the field and put in a wide receiver if you're going empty. And he's a running back who can run in between the tackles and get the tough yards."

Marks finished out the final season of his career with 3,016 rushing yards and 31 touchdowns on 608 carries. He also caught 261 passes for 1,546 yards with five scores through the air.

That type of success did not come without adversity, though, something that Marks believes will help him in the NFL in addition to purely what he can do for a team on the field.

He'll never forget the leg injury he suffered at Mississippi State in 2023 that kept him sidelined for some time.

"I would say when I was injured, that was the most memorable time and a huge turning point for me," Marks said. "Just leaning on other people, leaning on my teammates, and getting connected with God even more."

Marks says that sticking to his faith helped him to move through that stage of life and allowed him to get back to the same level of performance he once had.

"Just going to church every Wednesday right before the games, ahead of Thursday when we had to do stuff. And going to church on Sundays. It was a blessing just to be there. I was feeling down on myself because of the injury. And I think it helped lift me and helped me to be the person that I am today."

Marks has continued to impress during the offseason leading up to the NFL Draft, taking full advantage of his appearance in the Reese's Senior Bowl.

"The (Senior Bowl) gave me an opportunity to really look at the NFL and their terminology and learning to come out in a short amount of time and bring it out on the field," Marks said. "Just learning from different players and different coaches.

Marks walked away from the event confidently, saying he thinks that he impressed NFL coaches and staff from more than just a tangibles perspective, though that shone through as well.

"I've gotten to know these teams and they've gotten to know me," Marks said. "And it's been an enjoyable experience with some laughs in between taking the ball, drawing up plays, and watching what I can do on film. It speaks for itself."

Where Marks ultimately lands in April will be something to watch as he's currently projected to be taken in the mid or late rounds.