Stephen R. Sylvanie-USA TODAY Sports

Texans Add New C.J. Stroud Weapon From USC

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Lorenzo J. Reyna | Last updated Apr 26, 2025 1:24 PM ET

The Houston Texans are becoming USC South. The back-to-back AFC South winners found a new weapon for C.J. Stroud, from the Land of Troy.

USC running back Woody Marks is now on board. Houston nabbed him 116th overall in the fourth round. Marks entered the league lauded for his versatility.

The former Mississippi State back racked up 261 career receptions. That includes grabbing a combined 143 in his first two seasons at Starksville. But he delivered his first career 1,000-yard rushing season with USC -- piling 1,133 yards and scoring nine touchdowns (another career-high).

Marks heads to a Texans ground game that ranked 15th in multiple categories: Yards, yards per attempt, and rushing touchdowns. He's also joining a backfield that features Joe Mixon, who led the way with 1,016 yards and 11 touchdowns.

He won't be the only USC guy teaming with the 2023 NFL Rookie of the Year Stroud.

The Texans took cornerback/safety Jaylin Smith in the third round to bolster the defense. Smith heads to a secondary that already features safety Calen Bullock, another past USC star. Houston is one of the few NFL teams that feature a trio of past Trojans. The franchise also thrived with USC legend Brian Cushing at linebacker from 2009 to 2017.

Houston advanced to the AFC Divisional round of the playoffs this past season. They lost to eventual conference champion Kansas City.

Marks is bringing a touchdown threat by land and air to Houston. He scored 22 rushing touchdowns but also added 27 scores on the receiving end.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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