Looking back through the recent history of the LSU football receiving corps, names like Justin Jefferson and Ja’Marr Chase immediately come to mind.
But before they became stars in Baton Rouge, players like DJ Chark made an impact in the passing game.
Chark has since taken his talents to the NFL after recording 66 receptions for 1,351 yards and six touchdowns at LSU, selected by the Jacksonville Jaguars with the No. 61 overall in the second round of the 2018 NFL Draft.
His momentum continued to climb in the second season of his career last year, as he reeled in 73 catches for 1,008 yards and eight touchdowns while starting 14 of 15 games.
[lawrence-related id=9815]
Now, Chark is ready to take the next step with the Jags, expected to be one of quarterback Gardner Minshew’s most reliable targets in the upcoming season.
He joined NFL Network’s Inside Training Camp Live this week, saying that he’s “ready to learn this new offense” after spending some time with family this offseason.
Like other athletes across the country, Chark had to be proactive and take initiative to get the work in under unprecedented circumstances surrounding the coronavirus pandemic.
“All I did really was study and go run routes with Josh Dobbs, also with Gardner,” Chark said. “So I got time with both of them and that’s the best thing you can really do during quarantine time instead of stay in the house, so I was able to do that. This offense — I love the fact that it’s a lot of space and coach Gruden’s offense is able to get people in space. Concepts — it’s not predicated on just one guy being the guy. It’s a mixture, help everybody make the offense happen like a masterpiece.”
Chark and the Jaguars have a lot to prove in 2020 after finishing last year at the bottom of the division with an overall record of 6-10, and it will be interesting to see if they can put it all together to make the leap.
[vertical-gallery id=9326]