A little over three weeks into spring practice, LSU wideouts are noticing a few improvements in the passing game.
“We know what Brandon is thinking,” said LSU junior wide receiver D.J. Chark. “It really shows a lot on the field. Brandon stepped up a lot with confidence and leadership. I feel like he’s more of the SEC quarterback that you want on the field.”
With senior wideout Travin Dural nursing a hamstring injury, Chark has been able to practice with the first team along with Harris. The 6-foot-3 pass catcher saw limited playing time last season with his only appearance in the Tigers’ 56-27 victory against Texas Tech in the Advocare Texas Bowl.
Junior wide receiver Malachi Dupre said an improved passing game could make them one of the strongest offenses in the country alongside the Southeastern Conference’s leading rushing attack last season at 256 yards per game.
“I don’t see any reason why we can’t be one of the best passing offenses in the country,” Dupre said. “With our running attack, that’s going to open up things for us.”
Sophomore defensive back Donte Jackson is relishing the opportunity to work with the defense’s first team in practice after sophomore cornerback, and starter last season, Kevin Toliver II is out recovering from shoulder surgery during spring practice.
From a defensive perspective, Jackson said he’s seen a difference in LSU junior quarterback Brandon Harris’ play, as well.
“I see a lot of improvement in the passing game,” Jackson said. “Brandon’s playing amazing. Going against him everyday, getting to see him make some of the throws, he’s having a great spring so far.”
Jackson, who had 22 tackles and one interception throughout his first 11 games as a Tiger during the 2015-16 season, said he was surprised to play as much as he did.
“I expected to play some,” Jackson said. “It was taking me a while to get a lot stuff down with [former defensive coordinator Kevin] Steele’s defense. It was a blessing to get out there and compete with them guys.”
Along with adjusting to a new defense, Jackson is also continuing to work with the special teams on kickoff and punt returns.
Even with a 18 of 22 starters returning for the team, the Tigers still have to get used to defensive coordinator Dave Aranda’s scheme, players said.
For the most part, LSU senior defensive back Rickey Jefferson said it hasn’t been too hard to learn Aranda’s playbook.
“The maturity that we do have within our defense [is that] we communicate very well,” Jackson said. “We pick up on things very fast. The big thing is communication, we just have to be effective and alert.”
Jefferson has also seen his role grow as a leader. The St. Rose, Louisiana, native originally came to the Tigers to play wide out, but on Thursday he said he’s got his “swagger” back.
“When the defense slacking a little bit in practice,” Jefferson said. “I just tell them to pick them up. Just being the first to do a drill, things that I used to have at receiver, but didn’t translate because I wasn’t as confident.”

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Nicholas Martino

Junior Quarterback, Brandon Harris (06), practices in the afternoon on Tuesday, March 29, 2016 at Charles McClendon Practice Facility.