MEDIA RELEASE | Elks ink four, including two offensive lineman
The Elks new additions will be hit the field for May 7 Rookie Camp
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EDMONTON — The Edmonton Elks continue to add to their roster ahead of May 7 Rookie Camp at Commonwealth Stadium, adding American defensive lineman Tomari Fox, American wide receiver Marshel Martin IV, and American offensive linemen Grant Smith and Mark Evans II, as announced by the club on Thursday.
On the defensive line, Fox (6'3, 300) joins Edmonton after a five-year career at the University of North Carolina where he played in 49 games for the Tar Heels from 2019 to 2023. The defender recorded 100 total tackles, with 10.5 tackles for loss, 6.5 sacks, and one forced fumble while at UNC. Fox would join the las Vegas Raiders in 2024, spending the season on the team's injured reserve until his release in March 2025.
Marshel Martin IV (6'2, 230) brings size to the Elks receiver ranks having been a pass catching tight end over his five seasons with Sacramento State. In 50 career games, the Vallejo, California native hauled in 192 passes for 2,373 yards and 27 touchdowns while with the Hornets. His most productive season came in 2022, where Martin IV recorded 65 receptions for 879 yards and 12 scores.
Following his college career, Martin attended NFL mini camps with the New York Jets and San Francisco 49ers.
Evans II (6'4, 295) joins the Elks after a distinguished college career with the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff. The 25-year-old offensive lineman was named a four time First-team All-SWAC (South Western Athletic Conference) from 2019-2022 and was the Phil Steele FCS Offensive Lineman of the Year Award winner in 2022.
The St. Louis, Missouri native signed with the New Orleans Saints following the 2023 NFL Draft and would spend parts of the next two seasons on the club's practice roster. Evans II was most recently a member of the Arlington Renegades of the UFL (United Football League) until March of 2025.
Smith (6'5, 325) is another addition to the Green and Gold's trenches. The Celina, Texas native suited up for 29 games across six seasons for the South Dakota Mines Hardrockers (2018-2023). Smith was named to the Second Team All-RMAC in 2023 and was an Honourable Mention All-RMAC in 2021.
TRANSACTIONS
SIGNED:
- Mark Evans II | AMER | OL | 6'4 | 295 LBS | 1999-10-11 | St. Louis, MO | Arkansas Pine Bluffs
- Grant Smith | AMER | OL | 6'5 | 325 LBS | 1999-12-15 | Celina, TX | South Dakota Mines
- Marshel Martin IV | AMER | WR | 6'2 | 230 LBS | 2000-11-03 | Vallejo, CA | Sacramento State
- Tomari Fox | AMER | DL | 6'3 | 300 LBS | 1996-05-17 | Lawrenceville, GA | North Carolina
EDMONTON ELKS
The Edmonton Elks are proud members of the Canadian Football League, playing their home games at Commonwealth Stadium in Edmonton, Alberta.
The club, officially renamed the Elks in June of 2021, has a tradition of excellence having won 14 Grey Cup championships (1954-56, 1975, 1978-82, 1987, 1993, 2003, 2005, 2015). Since its founding, the club remains focused on providing outstanding football memories for Edmonton and all of Northern Alberta.
Elks Football… Always Edmonton
Michael Arcuri