The Mississippi State Bulldogs continue to bleed transfers despite hiring offensive mastermind Jeff Lebby as their next head coach. Per 247Sports Matt Zenitz, running back Jo’Quavious “Woody” Marks will throw his name into the transfer portal.
Mississippi State star running back Woody Marks is expected to enter the transfer portal, sources tell @247sports.https://t.co/6Cw7NKmknb
— Matt Zenitz (@mzenitz) December 8, 2023
Marks will join a loaded running back group in the transfer portal. Florida Gators standout Trevor Etienne, Arkansas Razorbacks rusher Rocket Sanders, and Kansas State star Treshaun Ward, among others, headline the elite rushers available via the portal.
Jo’Quavious “Woody” Marks: Stellar Career with Mississippi State Football
Woody Marks came to Starksville in 2020 as a four-star recruit. The Georgia native found playing time as a true freshman, running 70 times for 312 yards and three scores. He was also busy as a receiver out of the backfield, catching 60 passes for 268 yards. Quarterback Will Rogers and Marks took significant steps forward in the following two seasons, with the Mississippi State offense ranking near the top of the SEC. Marks posted 1,788 yards and 18 touchdowns during that span. He shined as a junior. His best game came against the Arkansas Razorbacks, registering 132 scrimmage yards and one touchdown in a win.
Marks missed time this season with an undisclosed injury, rushing for 573 yards in just nine games. He also struggled to repeat his performance as a pass-catcher, snagging a career-low 23 receptions for 167 yards.
New HC Jeff Lebby to Replace Quarterback and Running Back
The Bulldogs, led by new head coach Jeff Lebby, will need to find a new starting quarterback and running back for the 2024 season. Longtime starter and program leader Will Rogers will not return to Mississippi State next season despite throwing for 94 touchdowns across four seasons. Former Vanderbilt starter and dual-threat signal-caller Mike Wright figures to be the immediate replacement, with Chris Parson waiting in the wings. Parson was a freshman last season and a former three-star recruit.
The running back room will also be without Woody Marks next season. Barring a transfer of his own, Seth Davis should take on the lead-back role like he did when Marks missed time this season. The freshman took 59 carries for 356 yards and a touchdown. A junior college transfer, Jeffery Pittman should also see an uptick in minutes.
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