The Edmonton Elks signed offensive linemen Grant Smith and Mark Evans II on Tuesday according to the CFL Transactions page.
Grant Smith is six foot five and weighs 325 pounds. A native of Celina, Texas, went undrafted in the 2024 NFL Draft. The Arlington Renegades signed Smith on March 3, 2025. He attended training camp and was released on March 10, 2025.
Collegiately, Smith played six seasons at South Dakota Mines (2018-23) playing right guard and left tackle in 39 games for the Hardrockers. In 2023, South Dakota Mines averaged 34.18 points per game, 165.5 rushing yards per game, 253.27 passing yards per game, 418.8 total yards per game, 52 touchdowns, and allowed 15 sacks finishing 5-6 for the season. Smith was named Second Team All-RMAC in 2023 and Honorable Mention All-RMAC in 2021.
Mark Evans II is six foot four and weighs 295 pounds. The 25-year-old from St. Louis, Missouri, signed with the Arlington Renegades on January 29, 2025. He attended training camp and was released on March 20, 2025.
The New Orleans Saints signed Evans II as an undrafted free agent on May 12, 2023. In 2023, he played three preseason games. He spent the majority of the season on the practice squad. In 2024, he played three preseason games. The Saints released him on August 27, 2024.
Collegiately, Evans played five seasons at the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff (2018-22) playing left tackle in 38 games for the Golden Lions. In 2022, Arkansas at Pine Bluff averaged 23.82 points per game, 147.4 rushing yards per game, 169.00 passing yards per game, 316.4 total yards per game, 34 touchdowns, and allowed 24 sacks finishing 3-8 for the season. Evans was named First Team All-SWAC in 2019.
