University Southern California Trojans
Players Mentioned
RB
/ Football
Photo by: John McGillen
The Sky's the Limit
September 28, 2024 | Football
USC running back Woody Marks moved across the country to pursue his dreams, both on and off the field.
After a long day of football and academics, senior running back Woody Marks makes his way to his new home in Los Angeles. Eagerly waiting for his arrival is his French bulldog, Champ. Marks kicks off his shoes and before he plops down on the coach to relax, he walks to the kitchen to make a snack. He peruses the fridge and pulls out an avocado, one of his new healthy, but adventurous foods.
"I've been eating a lot of different stuff since moving here," said Marks. "I think I've been eating a lot of more healthy stuff, to be honest. Miss Rachel (Suba, USC's Director of Sports Nutrition), has given me a lot of different things to eat. And then going out with the guys, they get some crazy meals that I really haven't seen before. Like avocado. I think it's green? It doesn't look right, but it's good for you."
In this moment of relaxation with his snack and his pup, Marks reflects on his journey that brought him over 2,000 miles to the City of Angels.
He grew up in inner city Atlanta, and after having grown up watching his older brother play football and witnessing how hard the players got hit, he had no interest in playing the sport. He did, however, want to be in the band.
"My sister was in the band, so I wanted to play the cymbals like she did," said Marks. "I played the trumpet when I was younger, in middle school, and then I switched to the trombone."
Although Marks was well in pursuit of his musical journey, he decided to put the instruments down and try football. He would trail his older brother to Carver High School where they would train together. Marks credits his siblings with being his inspiration and feels a responsibility to give back to them.
"I just want to do everything I can to make sure they're all happy and joyful throughout their lives," said Marks.
Before transferring to USC, Marks was the first player in Mississippi State history with 214 career receptions and still holds the most receiving yards by a running back (1,225). Marks broke wide receiver Fred Ross' (2013-16) record with a reception in 36 consecutive games as a Bulldog (Marks' record is 45 consecutive games with a reception as a Bulldog).
"It's just amazing to be in the record books so I can go back later after football and see my name still up there," said Marks. "I remember how I used to look at it like, 'I want to break that record.'"
Ross, the former record holder, personally reached out to Marks to congratulate him on breaking his record.
"I'm excited to text somebody else someday and say, 'Congratulations, you broke the record!'"
While Marks' career was exceptional at MSU, he decided it was time for change. He transferred to USC in the spring of 2024 to play for Lincoln Riley, a man very much respected by his former head coach, the late Mike Leach.
"Mike Leach played a big role in my decision because of how he talked about Lincoln Riley," said Marks. "We used to watch his film and his plays from everywhere he had been. I knew that Lincoln Riley was a great coach and a great person, and I trusted Coach Leach, who was also a great person."
Marks also saw transferring to USC as an opportunity to prepare him for life after football. Looking beyond his helmet and pads, Marks wanted to take his academics to the next level and pursue his passion for physical therapy.
"Mostly why I came here was for things off the field and my academics," said Marks. "I want to set myself up for later after football, and the brand that USC provides to do that is amazing."
Marks now has 5 games as a Trojan recording 81 carries for 468 yards (5.8 avg.) and 4 touchdowns as well as 19 receptions for 145 yards (7.6 avg.). He has extended his streak of consecutive games with a catch to 50, which is the longest active streak in the nation.
"Coming out here every day and being with this team has been amazing," said Marks. "I love the people on this team. I think everybody in this program is uplifting and brings out the brightness of people. I see it a lot, not just myself, but other teammates."
Even though it is his first season with the Trojans, he has blended in seamlessly. His effortless chemistry with his offensive peers is indisputable. According to Marks, the role of the running back means to be anywhere he is needed. High, low, catching or blocking, you can count on Marks to get the job done with his selfless attitude.
""I would say my biggest responsibility is protecting the quarterback. Then, I'll throw my body, I'll jump, or if Miller needs me to turn around and catch the ball, I'm going to catch the ball," said Marks. "Whatever he needs, I'm going to do it. If he needs me to sell my soul out there, I'll jump in the way just to protect him. He's the biggest piece of our offense, and we're going to make it happen for him."
A loyal teammate, a record-breaker and a beloved dog dad – he does it all. Marks' method to his madness is to bet on himself day in and day out.
"As long as you know you can do it, the sky's the limit. Trust yourself."
"I've been eating a lot of different stuff since moving here," said Marks. "I think I've been eating a lot of more healthy stuff, to be honest. Miss Rachel (Suba, USC's Director of Sports Nutrition), has given me a lot of different things to eat. And then going out with the guys, they get some crazy meals that I really haven't seen before. Like avocado. I think it's green? It doesn't look right, but it's good for you."
In this moment of relaxation with his snack and his pup, Marks reflects on his journey that brought him over 2,000 miles to the City of Angels.
He grew up in inner city Atlanta, and after having grown up watching his older brother play football and witnessing how hard the players got hit, he had no interest in playing the sport. He did, however, want to be in the band.
"My sister was in the band, so I wanted to play the cymbals like she did," said Marks. "I played the trumpet when I was younger, in middle school, and then I switched to the trombone."
Although Marks was well in pursuit of his musical journey, he decided to put the instruments down and try football. He would trail his older brother to Carver High School where they would train together. Marks credits his siblings with being his inspiration and feels a responsibility to give back to them.
"I just want to do everything I can to make sure they're all happy and joyful throughout their lives," said Marks.
Before transferring to USC, Marks was the first player in Mississippi State history with 214 career receptions and still holds the most receiving yards by a running back (1,225). Marks broke wide receiver Fred Ross' (2013-16) record with a reception in 36 consecutive games as a Bulldog (Marks' record is 45 consecutive games with a reception as a Bulldog).
"It's just amazing to be in the record books so I can go back later after football and see my name still up there," said Marks. "I remember how I used to look at it like, 'I want to break that record.'"
Ross, the former record holder, personally reached out to Marks to congratulate him on breaking his record.
"I'm excited to text somebody else someday and say, 'Congratulations, you broke the record!'"
While Marks' career was exceptional at MSU, he decided it was time for change. He transferred to USC in the spring of 2024 to play for Lincoln Riley, a man very much respected by his former head coach, the late Mike Leach.
"Mike Leach played a big role in my decision because of how he talked about Lincoln Riley," said Marks. "We used to watch his film and his plays from everywhere he had been. I knew that Lincoln Riley was a great coach and a great person, and I trusted Coach Leach, who was also a great person."
Marks also saw transferring to USC as an opportunity to prepare him for life after football. Looking beyond his helmet and pads, Marks wanted to take his academics to the next level and pursue his passion for physical therapy.
"Mostly why I came here was for things off the field and my academics," said Marks. "I want to set myself up for later after football, and the brand that USC provides to do that is amazing."
Marks now has 5 games as a Trojan recording 81 carries for 468 yards (5.8 avg.) and 4 touchdowns as well as 19 receptions for 145 yards (7.6 avg.). He has extended his streak of consecutive games with a catch to 50, which is the longest active streak in the nation.
"Coming out here every day and being with this team has been amazing," said Marks. "I love the people on this team. I think everybody in this program is uplifting and brings out the brightness of people. I see it a lot, not just myself, but other teammates."
Even though it is his first season with the Trojans, he has blended in seamlessly. His effortless chemistry with his offensive peers is indisputable. According to Marks, the role of the running back means to be anywhere he is needed. High, low, catching or blocking, you can count on Marks to get the job done with his selfless attitude.
""I would say my biggest responsibility is protecting the quarterback. Then, I'll throw my body, I'll jump, or if Miller needs me to turn around and catch the ball, I'm going to catch the ball," said Marks. "Whatever he needs, I'm going to do it. If he needs me to sell my soul out there, I'll jump in the way just to protect him. He's the biggest piece of our offense, and we're going to make it happen for him."
A loyal teammate, a record-breaker and a beloved dog dad – he does it all. Marks' method to his madness is to bet on himself day in and day out.
"As long as you know you can do it, the sky's the limit. Trust yourself."
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