Jo'Quavious "Woody" Marks reveals his nickname came from childhood love of Toy Story

Like many kids growing up in the early 2000s, Mississippi State running Jo’Quavious Marks was a big fan of the movie Toy Story, in particular the character Woody. Not only did Marks dress up as the famous toy cowboy on Halloween for seven years straight, but he also wore the costume nearly day in elementary school.

Although he grew out of that phase by third grade, the antics earned him the nickname “Woody” from family and friends. It has stuck with him throughout his life as he enters his senior year of college.

“I wanted to wear it every day at school,” he told On3’s Andy Staples at SEC Media Days. “I actually did. I wore it Monday through Friday. I probably had like 10 (costumes). I would cry if (my mom) wouldn’t let me wear it.

“I had like a whole closet full of Toy Story. I had the book bag. I was really like him going to school.”

As Marks got older, the “Woody” nickname remained reserved for close family members who remembered his love for the film. That is until he reached high school and an announcer mispronounced his name, igniting the fury of his mom.

“I once scored in an away game and they said my name wrong,” he explained. “My mom got mad and she went up to the press box and she was like, ‘just call him Woody.’ We went to an away game again and they said it wrong. She’s like, ‘call him Woody. Just go by Woody.'”

And with that suggestion, Marks has continued to go by Woody ever since. Even among his college teammates.

He’s not the only member of the Mississippi State team with a unique nickname. Offensive lineman Kwatrivious Johnson goes by “Dollar Bill,” giving Marks a run for his money in the moniker department. However, although it might seem flashier, it doesn’t carry nearly the same sentimental value as “Woody.”

Regardless of what you call him, Marks has already made history in his first three seasons as a Bulldog. He holds the school records for receptions by a running back (191) as well as receiving yards by a running back (1,058). Not only that, but he’s also proved an effective runner with 1,310 yards rushing and 18 touchdowns.

As Marks prepares to enter his senior year with the Bulldogs, he is just eight receptions shy of breaking the all-time school record regardless of position. He’ll aim to make his final year count when the Bulldogs open up the season on Sept. 2 against Southeastern Louisiana.