Former USC running back making a great case on new NFL team

Fans tend to follow the USC players once they make it to the next level. For the Trojan faithful, however, the Houston Texans are going to be of particular interest, as they have many former USC players on the roster, including Calen Bullock and Jaylin Smith.

Someone who is making a great case for themselves during the preseason is Woody Marks. The running back showed while in Troy what he can do at running back, and Texan fans are getting early, impressive glimpses of what he can do from the backfield.

During the final preseason game for Houston against the Detroit Lions, Marks scored his first touchdown with a rush from the nine-yard line. It is not just that he scored, however. Marks, as could be seen throughout his Trojan career, showed great ability to catch out of the backfield and block.

While some view the rushing aspect to be the most important, nowadays, having someone who enjoys the physical nature of the position and who can be counted on to protect his quarterback and pick up blitzes is an absolutely paramount aspect of being a modern-day running back.

If nothing else, this level of versatility will allow for him to increase his chances of climbing the depth chart and ultimately to see the field on NFL Sundays.

When also taking into consideration the current nature of the Texan RB room, things are continuing to look increasingly optimistic that Marks will be able to carve a role out for himself in 2025.

Possible room for former USC RB

Joe Mixon is RB1 for Houston, but he is going to remain sidelined as he works back from injuries that will likely see him miss extended time to begin the year. Nick Chubb, too, had a minor setback, but his status is more hopeful that he will be able to make a Week 1 start. Still, both running backs in question, Chubb and Mixon, are known to have their injury histories, and others will need to be able to step up for Houston this season.

For now, Dameon Pierce still has a solid hold over the next-up RB slot for if and when Mixon and Chubb are out. A certain former USC running back in Woods is making it an increasingly difficult decision for coach DeMeco Ryans, though.