Jo’quavious Marks has quietly established himself as one of the most well-rounded running backs in the 2025 NFL Draft class. After four productive seasons at Mississippi State, Marks transferred to USC for his final year, where he showcased his ability to operate in an NFL-style offense. His blend of vision, pass-catching ability, and football IQ makes him an intriguing mid-round prospect.
Impressive Production at Two Programs
Marks’ college career is defined by versatility and consistency:
Mississippi State (4 Seasons):
1,800 rushing yards
1,200 receiving yards
22 total touchdowns (5 receiving)
USC (Final Season):
1,100+ rushing yards
9 touchdowns'
300+ receiving yards
Six 100+ yard rushing games, including dominant performances against Michigan and Penn State
His ability to impact the running and passing game is evident, making him a prime candidate for a three-down role at the next level.
What Makes Marks Stand Out?
NFL-Ready Vision & Agility – His ability to read blocks and make quick lateral cuts allows him to create big plays in tight spaces.
Pass-Catching Versatility – Comfortable lining up in the slot and out wide, making him a legitimate receiving threat.
Pass Protection Skills – He is one of the more reliable blockers among this year’s running backs, giving him added value on third downs.
Durability & Availability – Played 44 of 45 career games, proving tough and dependable.
Areas for Improvement
Lacks Elite Contact Balance – Not as powerful through contact as some of his peers, which raises concerns about his ability to handle heavy workloads in the NFL.
Lacks Breakaway Speed – While explosive in short areas, he doesn’t have true home-run speed, making him more of a red-zone and short-yardage weapon than a consistent big-play threat.
Needs to Prove He Can Be a Workhorse – Has shown durability, but his ability to be a lead back in the NFL is still in question.
Final Thoughts
Marks may not be the most explosive runner in this class, but his combination of vision, pass-catching ability, and blocking skills give him a high floor. While he may never be a true workhorse back, his versatility and durability make him a valuable addition to any NFL backfield.
A strong showing at the NFL Combine could further solidify his status as one of the best all-around backs in this draft.
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