At USC’s Tuesday practice, it became clear just how tight-knit the running back room has become as redshirt senior Woody Marks emerges as a leader among the young group. Redshirt freshman Quinten Joyner, and freshman Bryan Jackson, praised Marks, a transfer from Mississippi State, for setting the tone and helping them grow.
“Me and Woody have a great relationship,” Joyner said. “When he first got in, we were helping each other with plays. Our relationship grew over the few months we’ve been together, and I think we could be the best duo in the country.”
Marks made a hard-hitting debut against LSU, with 68 rushing yards and two touchdowns, while Joyner contributed 12 rushing yards. The duo continued their momentum into the following week against Utah State. Marks put up 103 rushing yards and one touchdown while Joyner had a breakout game with 84 rushing yards and two touchdowns.
Joyner credits his offseason work and Marks’ leadership for his improvement and explosive performance.
“Woody’s a great back, and he sets the tone for the team,” Joyner said. “He gets the team going with his running and catching out of the backfield. He’s just a great football player.”
Additionally, Bryan Jackson got his first career carries in the Utah State game, leaning on both Marks and Joyner for advice.
“Woody and Quinten have been giving me tips about how the plays go,” Jackson said. “The speed of practice was different for me, but I’ve adapted to it. Me and the guys have a great bond in the running back room. I just love coming out here with those guys.”
The supportive culture is obvious when Joyner was asked to reflect on teammate Bryan Jackson’s first action game.
“I was excited for him to go in,” Quinten responded.”I was telling him on the sideline to just be himself, he doesn’t need to be nervous. It’s just like practice — just go out there and have fun.”
Beyond the field, the group has made an effort to build chemistry beyond the field, bonding non-football activities but still carrying over their competitive natures.
“We really play video games all the time, so that’s probably the biggest way,” Jackson said. “We’re really competitive when it comes to [EA Sports’ College Football 25]. That’s probably the biggest way we bond off the field.”
This sense of camaraderie and personal growth is aided by Coach Anthony Jones Jr.
“He’s helped us with ball security and blocking, and just trying to be a better person overall,” Joyner said. “Coach Jones helps with a lot — academics, on and off the field. He’s a great coach to be around, and it’s fun to have him.”
USC’s backfield has started to become a cohesive unit, with Marks leading the charge and the younger backs quickly stepping up. With a strong sense of camaraderie and shared goals, they’ve created an environment where support, hard work, and fun all play a role in their success.