LSU sophomore wide receiver D.J. Chark rarely looked up at reporters as he answered questions last week. 
He may have been nervous or just trying to think of the best response. Whatever it was, receiving attention surely isn’t something he’s experienced much of at LSU. 
Chark appeared in only six games last season with no starts or receptions. The ESPN four-star prospect was just a face in the crowd in 2014, overshadowed by ESPN No. 1 overall wide receiver prospect Malachi Dupre and national prep receiving record holder Trey Quinn. 
With veterans like junior receiver Travin Dural and
redshirt sophomore John Diarse leading the rotation, Chark was realistic about his expectations last season. 
“I had to learn from the players that were here,” Chark said. “A lot of the players were more polished. I was just taking the fall to learn what I could and follow in their foot steps … I just wanted to contribute wherever I could contribute.”
But there’s one thing Chark is known for — his speed. With increased confidence heading into the spring, the soft-spoken Chark has grabbed the attention of coach Les Miles.
“[Chark] just seems to make plays,” Miles said after LSU’s third spring scrimmage. “[He] expects himself to make plays more. [He’s] improved. [He brings] a lot of energy to the practice and a lot of energy to the play. He’s coming.”
If spring scrimmages are any indication, Miles may see Chark in an increased role. The Alexandria, Louisiana, native has hauled in at least five touchdowns in the past three spring scrimmages, according to Miles, with a three-reception, 99-yard performance in the latest scrimmage on
March 28. 
Any player who can turn on the jets like Chark can use it to their advantage, but he said learning route concepts has helped his mental maturation as a player.
“Speed is a big part, but everybody has speed at this level,” Chark said. “So, [it’s about] learning the way that they want the routes ran because every receiver gets the other receiver open.” 
Chark refers to the receiving corps as a whole, and he almost always relays answers back to his fellow receivers. As another piece to the puzzle, Chark said being “interchangeable” with his fellow pass catchers while opening things up with precise route running when he’s on the field is crucial to success in the passing game. 
This attention to detail mindset is something new receivers coach Tony Ball has established, and Chark said he takes a very “hands-on”
approach.
“[The receivers] are pushing themselves, so that if one person does go down, someone can step in,” Chark said. “That’s the whole purpose, being able to help your team out when you need it. You never know when you’re next. Coach Ball always says, ‘You’re one play from being on the field.’ You got to make sure you’re doing everything right, so when you’re on the field, you won’t mess everything up and have the right chemistry.’”
But Chark isn’t scared to prove himself. He even challenged the Tigers’ top cornerback, junior Tre’Davious White, in one-on-one drills.
“He wants to be the best in one-on-ones, so he sort of called me over there, like, ‘Tre, come guard me,’” White said. “So, I go over there because I want to get better, too. I want him to get better, so I go guard him. I try to give him my best bet. He gets some, and I get some.
“His speed is next to none. He’s probably one of the fastest guys on our team. You got to be patient with him because he’s so fast.”
You can reach James Bewers on Twitter @JamesBewers_TDR.