HBCU Football Stars Hope To Impress In Saints-Chiefs Preseason Game
NEW YORK — During the New Orleans Saints' first preseason game against the Kansas City Chiefs, HBCU players OL Mark Evans II and WR Shaquan will step on the Caesars Superdome's turf as professionals. Despite their expected limited playing time on Sunday, they still have a chance to impress the coaching staff and Who Dat Nation. Both must consider every element of action — offensive and special teams — as an audition for a roster spot, practice squad addition, or enough tape for another NFL team.
Evans follows in the footsteps of former New Orleans great offensive lineman and fellow Arkansas-Pine Bluff great Terron Armstead. Reports from the Saints News Network's beat reporters John Hendrix and Ross Jackson say Evans has progressed since his rookie minicamp. New Orleans' first unofficial depth chart release has Evans sitting behind starting right guard Cesar Ruiz and third-year lineman Calvin Throckmorton on the roster. Evans told HBCU Legends following the NFL Combine that New Orleans was interested in his "versatility." It's an attribute necessary for the interior offensive linemen to win a roster spot or consideration for the practice squad. Last season, injuries in the Saints' interior with center Erik McCoy, Andrus Peat, and Cesar Ruiz had the team scrambling to find the best lineup.
OL Mark Evans II and WR Shaquan Davis; Courtesy of New Orleans Saints
The same goes for wide receiver Shaquan Davis who has an uphill battle in preseason games. The former South Carolina State wideout is competing against draft choice A.T. Perry and veteran Bryan Edwards as the 4th receiver on the team's unofficial depth chart.
Ross Jackson asked Allen, "What has he seen from Shaq Davis throughout training camp?" Allen replied, "Long, rangy, athletic receiver. I think he's still learning the playbook. So, I think he's a little behind in that area. But I like his skill set. I like his athleticism. He's got to come along through the playbook and make sure he's in the right spots when he's supposed to be there."
Also, Jackson noted on Day 12 in the Saints' training camp, "Davis was the main focus in the third team's 2-minute drills on Wednesday wherein he was the target of and caught three of the six passes attempted during the period. Davis was a large part of why that drive led to a simulated 47-yard game-winning field goal."
Last season's success of HBCU talent in Detriot Lions' linebacker James Houston IV (Jackson State), Chiefs cornerback Joshua Williams (Fort Valley State), and Rams' defensive back Decobie Durant give hope for Evans and Durant. The Saints rookies will either be their best friends or enemies in Game 1 of the preseason. Mistakes are a part of the game, especially in a rookie's first head-to-head battles against new opposition. Once again, HBCU talent continues to proliferate NFL rosters. Hopefully, Evans and Davis will be in that number for 2023.