Former USC RB Woody Marks ready to be Houston Texans' difference maker

There is always something of a risk when trading up for a player. After spending a year at USC, Woody Marks saw the Houston Texans give up assets in the fourth round during this past year's draft. Now off a new rookie deal signing, the running back's first task is making the final roster. Looking beyond that immediate goal, he will look to be an option for his NFL team out of the backfield.

As shared by KPRC2's Aaron Wilson, the negotiated deal will be a four-year $6 million contract for the rookie. Some didn't like the move of the organization, feeling that it was something of a reach at the time.

Those doubting Marks' ability at the position will soon have their minds changed. At USC, Trojan fans saw how consistent and powerful the tailback was in the pass-heavy offense. Now in an RB room that is led by Joe Mixon, the Projan will aim to get in the mix in the run game as a rookie.

Coach DeMeco Ryans has since explained what the Texans saw in the product out of USC. The Houston HC explained:

"Really has that ability to make guys miss at the line of scrimmage and the ability to play behind his pads, play physical. So, like the addition of him to our running back room."

It's this ability to be a varied-usage running back that had many grade Marks as a third-to-fifth rounder for this past draft. Trojan fans in particular know what he can offer as a ball carrier. His ability to be used as a potential any-down back, however, is what will allow him to see snaps in offense when the NFL season starts.

Best asset of the former USC tailback

Then, as the adage goes, if ball security equates to job security, there isn't anyone too much better in that department than Marks. He has only one given-up fumble in the entirety of his collegiate career, and the storied chasedown of Michigan's Kenneth Grant, the running back, actually has a net-zero turnover ratio.

In any event, between his physical style of play in all phases that are important as an RB, as well as his ability to maintain possession, Marks may currently be listed fourth on the Houston depth chart, but expect that to change soon.