Joe Alt Is Named As The Best Offensive Tackle In College Football

Notre Dame left tackle Joe Alt was named the No. 1 returning offensive tackle for the 2023 season

Pro Football Focus released its rankings for the returning offensive tackles in college football, and Notre Dame rising junior Joe Alt was named the No. 1 player on that list. This shouldn't come as a surprise, as Pro Football Focus graded him out as the No. 1 offensive tackle in the 2022 season as well.

Alt was the second highest ranked offensive lineman regardless of position last season, with former Minnesota center John Michael Schmitz being the only player to rank ahead of Alt.

"As was the case for quarterback, running back, wide receiver and tight end, an argument can be made that 2022's best offensive tackle in college football is returning to school.

Alt was both the highest-graded and most valuable tackle in the country according to PFF’s wins above-average metric. The sophomore’s 91.0 run-blocking grade led all FBS tackles while his 99.0 pass-blocking efficiency score was fifth. Alt looks like a potential top-five pick in 2024 and the best offensive tackle prospect since Penei Sewell." - Max Chadwick, PFF

Alt is widely considered the top returning offensive tackle in college football. The Minnesota native was named a first-team All-American by Associated Press, ESPN and CBS Sports last season. Both consensus All-Americans from last season (Paris Johnson Jr., Peter Skoronski) are both now in the NFL.

According to Pro Football Focus, Alt had 406 pass blocking snaps in 2022, and he didn't allow a single sack all season. Alt also allowed just six hurries and two quarterbacks hits on those snaps, which is an elite rate. 

Alt was a quality pass blocker as a true freshman as well, but his run blocking took a big jump during his sophomore campaign in 2022. Alt had the highest PFF run blocking grade among all tackles last season, and he was second among all offensive linemen. Now going into this third season, Alt still has room to grow his game and continue adding even more dominance to his game.

PFF noted that Alt had the most valuable offensive tackle in their wins above-average metric. Notre Dame quarterback Sam Hartman also earned that distinction at quarterback for his work at Wake Forest. That means Notre Dame returns two players to its 2023 offense that were graded as the top players at their position in wins above-average metric. 

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