2023 NFL Draft Prospect Interview: Mark Evans, OT, University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff

- Name: Mark Evans II
- Position: Left Tackle
- College: University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff
- Height: 6’4
- Weight: 295
- Twitter: @EvansII_78
- Instagram: @stlmarko
What makes you a top prospect at your position in the 2023 NFL Draft?
• I would say my level of play while attending an HBCU or small school and my athleticism are some things that make me stand out in this year’s draft.
At what age were you first interested in the sport of football?
• I wasn’t really that interested in football at a young age due to not being able to play youth football consistently because of weight restrictions. So when I actually got to play in 7th grade I would say my love for the game grew from there.
What is one thing that NFL teams should know about you?
• Teams should know that I’m a selfless individual willing to do whatever for the betterment of the team.
If you could donate to one cause in the world, what would it be?
• My donation would go towards helping single mothers in need. I know how it is to be raised by a single mother doing it all by herself, so if I could do anything to help out I will. Rather it be donating money, time, or even being a father figure to young children.
What is the best advice you have ever received?
• The best advice I have ever received is that it could always be worse. Meaning that even though you may have it hard at the moment, somebody out there has it worse.
Who was your childhood hero?
• My childhood hero was always my Momma, I’ve seen her go through extremely tough times and always make a way out of nothing. Without her and her sacrifices I wouldn’t be the person or player that I am today.
Who is the most underrated teammate in your locker room at your school?
• A player who I feel like is rarely given his props is Nathaniel Floyd. He’s a guy who you rarely ever hear complaining from and always comes prepared to work.
What is your biggest pet peeve?
• My biggest pet peeve would have to be people who don’t cut the shower head off before they get out the shower.
Overcoming adversity is what defines character, what was the hardest moment in your life to overcome?
• The hardest moment in my life that I’ve had to overcome with have to be being homeless after Hurricane Harvey. Majority of my senior year of highschool I shared one bedroom with 4 other people. To see my momma struggle the way she did while not being able to help her was disheartening and my uncertainty of not knowing if I’d ever play football again was a time in my life that I’ll never forget. Going through that did teach me to appreciate life more and to never take anything for granted.
Tell me something about your school and why it is so special to you?
• There’s no other HBCU like UAPB from the history, culture, people, etc. you’ll never find another school like it. UAPB is so special to me because they were the only Division 1 school to offer me a scholarship, without them I wouldn’t be here today so I can’t thank those involved enough for blessing me with this opportunity.
What is your favorite snack food?
• Fruit Snacks
What is the best part of football?
• I feel like the best part of football are the unexpected friendships and connections that you make along the way. Football is more than just a game, it has allowed me to go places and do things that I never thought I would do in a million years.
If you could sell yourself in one sentence what would you say?
• The One.
If you could compare your play to one player in the NFL who would it be?
• I would compare myself to Isaiah Wynn due to us having similar measurables and playing Left Tackle while considered to be “undersized”. Nonetheless I enjoy watching his game and how he’s transitioned from Georgia to the NFL.
If you could have dinner with three people dead or alive, who would it be and why?
• I would have dinner with my Granny who died before I got the chance to meet her just to get the chance to have a conversation with her. LeBron James, because he’s an outstanding person and athlete. Lastly I’d have dinner with A boogie because he’s one of my favorite artists and seems like a cool dude.

NFL Draft Diamonds was created to assist the underdogs playing the sport. We call them diamonds in the rough. My name is Damond Talbot, I have worked extremely hard to help hundreds of small school players over the past several years, and will continue my mission. We have several contributors on this site, and if they contribute their name and contact will be in the piece above. You can email me at nfldraftdiamonds@gmail.com