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Notre Dame Football: Sporting News Names Alex Bars Preseason All-American

By Connor McJunkin

CHESTNUT HILL, MA - SEPTEMBER 16: Tony Jones Jr. #34 of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish celebrates with Alex Bars #71 after scoring a touchdown against the Boston College Eagles during the second half at Alumni Stadium on September 16, 2017 in Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
CHESTNUT HILL, MA - SEPTEMBER 16: Tony Jones Jr. #34 of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish celebrates with Alex Bars #71 after scoring a touchdown against the Boston College Eagles during the second half at Alumni Stadium on September 16, 2017 in Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images) /
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The Sporting News just released its 2018 Preseason All-American squad, and the list features some of the biggest names in college football. Among those listed is Notre Dame football guard Alex Bars, who was named to the First-Team.

It isn’t much of a secret anymore that Notre Dame football consistently has one of the best offensive lines in the college game. The unit has become its own mini-NFL factory — producing four-first round NFL draft picks since 2014.

After winning the Joe Moore Award as the nation’s best offensive line in college football last year, this year’s unit expects to be the workhorse of the Irish offense again this Fall.

One of the anchors of this year’s front-five will be fifth-year senior guard Alex Bars. Recently named a First-Team Preseason All-American by The Sporting News, Bars looks to join the elite company of those that have branded Notre Dame as “Oline-U.”

Sporting News had this to say about Bar’s First-Team selection:

Notre Dame rushed for 269.3 yards per game last season, and Bars was a big reason for that alongside first-round NFL Draft picks Quenton Nelson and Mike McGlinchey. Bars should be next in line, especially now that he’s taking on a more vocal role within the unit.  

Bars’ Impact on the Irish

At 6-6, 318 pounds, Alex Bars has started 27 games for the Irish and will finish off his career this season at left guard. This is a perfect fit for Bars, who made all 13 starts last season at right guard. Playing between senior center Sam Mustipher and junior left tackle Liam Eichenberg this season creates a great balance for this year’s line. Bars adds valuable experience in the middle and support/leadership for first-time starter Eichenberg on the outside.

While he probably won’t have the level of success seen by Quenton Nelson a season ago, it isn’t too far-fetched to project Bars as a Second-Team All-American when the season ends. He is one of the best offensive-lineman in the country that is as versatile as they come. Holding starts at three different positions under his belt, he can plug-and-play wherever you need him to.

The offense will lean on Bars heavily to produce in the interior of this line, especially with a first-year starter at left tackle. The sooner Eichenberg can settle in, the quicker this unit can fire on all cylinders — which is the most important aspect of any offensive line.

Next: 2019 Football Recruting Update

I’m personally excited to see his transition to left guard and watch him build upon the success of 2017. Barr-ing (sorry) any injury, look for Alex Bars to to be a key piece of the Irish offense in 2018. Additionally, expect to hear his name called during the NFL Draft next April –possibly in the early rounds.

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