Jo’Quavious “Woody” Marks has been nicked up all season long. The Mississippi State Bulldogs’ sparky running back has been battling lower body injuries throughout 2023, and that trend continued against the Arkansas Razorbacks. What do we know about the running back’s injury?
Jo’Quavious Marks Injury News
After a two-yard receiving touchdown at the beginning of the second quarter, Marks was clearly limping as he rose to head back to the sideline. A lineman came over to the back and lifted him up, helping him to about the center of the end zone before the training staff got to him.
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He’s been battling a left ankle injury for about a month now, but a few plays before the touchdown, he was seen grabbing his left hamstring. He returned to the game a few plays later, scored on a two-yard reception, and had to be helped off the field.
Marks’ Draft Stock
Marks is a likely Day 3 pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, but the mounting injuries could negatively impact his stock. Marks is a shifty back who is willing and able as a pass catcher and protector, making him a fine candidate to be a third-down back at the NFL level.
He started the season on an absolute tear, but that tear quickly turned to a sprain because Marks clearly has not been the same since injuring his ankle. His touches and efficiency have cratered since his hot start. The team is obviously trying to manage the injury, but letting him heal completely might be best for the team and the individual.
His 208 career receptions are a Bulldogs record. That does not mean a record for a runner, either. He leads all Mississippi State pass catchers over the course of his four-year career. Playing in a more “traditional” offense was going to do wonders for his stock. However, the mounting lower body injuries take away his best attribute.
He possesses outstanding lateral agility and burst. Because he lacks ideal contact balance when fully healthy, he becomes rather average without that mobility, which will likely leave a bad taste in the mouths of NFL personnel departments, even if coaches will like him for his toughness.
