Mark Evans II


Mark Evans II is an American professional football [Tackle (gridiron American football|football position)|offensive tackle] for the Edmonton Elks of the Canadian Football League. He played college football for Arkansas–Pine Bluff.

Early life

Evans was not allowed to play football growing up due to weight restrictions, so he did not begin playing until the seventh grade. Instead, he began boxing until he was able to start playing football.
Evans initially committed to play football at Navarro College, though later was recruited to play at the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff.

College career

Evans committed to play college football at Arkansas–Pine Bluff. As a freshman, he played in nine games, and during his sophomore season, he started in all eleven games at left tackle, contributing to an offensive line that allowed the second-lowest amount of sacks in the Southwestern Athletic Conference. Although the [2020 Arkansas–Pine Bluff Golden Lions football|Arkansas–Pine Bluff Golden Lions football team|2020 season] was postponed, Evans played with Arkansas–Pine Bluff at SWAC championship game against Alabama A&M in 2021. he played as a redshirt junior, where he allowed one sack and won the Willie Roaf Award, which honors Arkansas's top offensive linemen.
During his senior year, he started in nine games as part of an offensive line unit dubbed 'The Moving Crew' and only allowed two sacks.
Evans participated in the East-West Shrine Bowl, the HBCU Legacy Bowl, and the NFL Combine. He was the first Arkansas-Pine Bluff player to be invited to the combine since Terron Armstead in 2013.

Professional career

New Orleans Saints

On April 30, 2023, Evans signed with the New Orleans Saints as an undrafted free agent. Evans was waived by the Saints on August 29, 2023. He signed to the Saints practice squad the next day. On September 4, 2023, Evans was waived before being re-signed to the practice squad on September 27. Following the end of the 2023 regular season, the Saints signed him to a reserve/future contract on January 8, 2024.
On July 28, 2024, Evans was waived by the Saints. However, following the release of Mason Fairchild on August 7, Evans was re–signed by New Orleans. He was waived on August 27.

Arlington Renegades

On January 29, 2025, Evans signed with the Arlington Renegades of the United Football League. He was released on March 20, 2025.

Edmonton Elks

On April 17, 2025, Evans signed with the Edmonton Elks of the Canadian Football League.

Personal life

Evans has a younger brother Jessie, who plays linebacker at Louisiana Tech.
After Hurricane Harvey destroyed his family's home in 2017, he was temporarily homeless and eventually lived with four other people in a one-bedroom apartment during his senior year of high school.