USC alums in the Texans spotlight as Woody Marks makes his preseason case
Houston’s roster features a strong USC connection this season, with Calen Bullock and Jaylin Smith among the Trojans graduates on the Texans’ roster. But it’s Woody Marks who is turning heads on the field, turning preseason impressions into real optimism for a role in 2025.
Marks opened eyes in the final preseason game against the Detroit Lions, bursting in for his first NFL touchdown on a nine-yard rush. But it wasn’t just the score that stood out. Across his time in college at USC, he showed a knack for catching passes out of the backfield and delivering in pass protection, traits the Texans value in a modern backfield.
The modern NFL running back is judged not only by rushing yards but by versatility—blocking for the quarterback, picking up blitzes and catching out of the backfield. Marks’ ability to contribute in multiple areas could help him climb Houston’s depth chart and earn meaningful snaps on Sundays.
Houston’s current backfield situation adds context to the hype. Joe Mixon is the top option when healthy, but he’s expected to miss time as he works back from injuries. Nick Chubb also has a minor setback, though his return is hoped to be sooner rather than later. Dameon Pierce remains a solid option at the one-back slot, but a “certain former USC running back” referenced as Woods is making the decision for coach DeMeco Ryans increasingly difficult as competition for snaps intensifies.
What this means for Marks and the Texans
– Versatility pays: Marks’ ability to run, catch and block could give him a pathway to the field even with experienced backs ahead on the depth chart.
– Injury uncertainty creates opportunity: With Mixon and Chubb dealing with health issues, there’s room for Marks to prove himself in practice and preseason game film.
– USC influence persists: Bullsock, Smith and Marks represent a notable USC pipeline that could help the Texans’ earning potential on and off the field as the season progresses.
Overall, Marks is crafting a compelling case for himself as Houston builds toward 2025. If he continues to show the same two-way value he demonstrated in college and in the preseason, he could become a valuable multi-purpose option for the Texans’ backfield.
Summary of key points
– Woody Marks had a nine-yard rushing touchdown in the final preseason game vs the Lions, plus noted receiving and blocking ability.
– The Texans’ backfield features Mixon, Chubb (injury notes) and Pierce, with a former USC back Woods increasing competition for coaches.
– The USC connection remains a point of fan interest as Houston looks to develop a versatile, deeper rushing corps for 2025.
Optional addition for editors
– Consider adding a short player-by-player depth chart update after preseason to help readers track Marks’ progress and the evolving roles behind Pierce and the injured veterans.
Positive angle
– The article can end on an optimistic note about Marks’ potential contribution and the growing depth and versatility of Houston’s backfield as the team positions itself for a competitive 2025 season.