It’s been 14 years since LSU has had a player score a touchdown rushing, receiving and returning all in the same season.
It took senior receiver DJ Chark 10 games to do it, opposed to former LSU receiver Skyler Green’s 14 games. Chark joins Green (2003), Domanick Davis (2001), Kevin Faulk (1998), Joe Labruzzo (1965), Johnny Robinson (1958) and Kenny Konz (1950) as the only players to accomplish the feat in LSU history.
“It’s a great honor to be able to have that and be mentioned with those types of guys,” Chark said. “It’s just letting me know that when I am gone from LSU, I will be able to leave something behind.”
On Saturday, Chark exploded for his first two receiving touchdowns of the season. Senior quarterback Danny Etling connected with Chark on a 45-yard touchdown to open the scoring in the first quarter and on a 68-yard touchdown on the first play of the fourth quarter.
“Danny couldn’t have thrown a better ball,” Chark said. “I had to thank him both times after both of those. He made my job way easier than it has ever been — probably two of the easiest touchdowns I have ever scored.”
The connection was a welcome sight after the pair struggled on the deep ball during last weekend’s game against Alabama.
“We worked hard this week,” Chark said. “Just me and him trying to get things to work on our deep passes, and we were able to show it tonight.”
Chark finished the game against Arkansas with four catches for 130 yards and two touchdowns. It was Chark’s fourth 100-yard game of the season, which is second in the Southeastern Conference behind Ole Miss’ A.J. Brown.
Chark’s day didn’t start out as well as it ended, however.
The senior muffed a punt after Arkansas’ first possession but was able to recover it at the LSU 49 yard line.
LSU coach Ed Orgeron credited it to the senior’s maturity and confidence in himself.
“Last year he thought about going out,” Orgeron said. “I’m so glad he stayed.”
“His route running has been a lot better, [and] his footwork has been a lot better.”
Chark has been one of the best this season at getting open, and his numbers show it.
On the season, Chark has 29 catches for 718 yards and two touchdowns, along with 10 carries for 56 yards and a touchdown. His 24.8 yards per catch is the second highest in the country.
Chark is also the only player in college football with two punt returns for a touchdown, a receiving touchdown and a rushing touchdown.
“I just try to do my job,” Chark said. “Whenever I’m in the open field I just try to make the most of it.”
“Apparently, I’m pretty dangerous.”