The USC Trojans will lose both Marshawn Lloyd and Austin Jones to the NFL Draft this year. Darwin Barlow and Raleek Brown both left via the transfer portal. Before yesterday, heading into the 2024 season, the only scholarship running backs were freshmen Quinten Joyner and A’Marion Peterson. Both have a ton of talent and potential, but at least one more RB was needed for depth.
Lincoln Riley did that in a big way by adding Jo’Quavious Marks through the transfer portal.
USC Trojans Grab A Top Running Back In The Transfer Portal
The stats may not be eye-popping, but at 5’10, 210, “Woody” Marks is of great size and will bring a vet presence and mindset to a very young running back room. He will bring a similar skill set that Marshawn Lloyd brought to the Trojans when he transferred last year from South Carolina.
Marks spent four seasons at Mississippi State, last year finishing with 121 carries good enough for 573 yards, a 4.7 yard per carry average. He also added 23 receptions for 167 yards. He finished with four rushing touchdowns and two receiving touchdowns. During his entire time at Miss State, Marks accumulated 3,108 total yards and 27 touchdowns.
According to 247Sports, Marks was the 7th-ranked running back in the Transfer Portal.
USC will look to continue to add to the roster through the portal, as they already added Marks’ teammate, Miss State CB DeCarlos Nicholson.
For our full USC Transfer Portal Tracker click here.