Notre Dame football: Top returning players on offense in 2022
By Brad Weiss
![Nov 13, 2021; Charlottesville, Virginia, USA; A view of a Notre Dame Fighting Irish player's helmet on the sidelines against the Virginia Cavaliers at Scott Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports Nov 13, 2021; Charlottesville, Virginia, USA; A view of a Notre Dame Fighting Irish player's helmet on the sidelines against the Virginia Cavaliers at Scott Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/4ab8829da8ec667f75e0371a675f7596f8b3e5f378f16859bfadbccadc41dcba.jpg)
Notre Dame football: Top returning players on offense in 2022
Two elite sophomore Offensive Tackles
Last season, Blake Fisher earned the starting left tackle job as a true freshman, which is truly a rarity when it comes to this Notre Dame football program. Unfortunately, Fisher was injured in the regular-season opener against Florida State and did not return until the Irish took on Oklahoma State in the Fiesta Bowl.
In 2022, he returns to the starting lineup, but it could be on the right side, as fellow true freshman Joe Alt established himself as a freshman All-American as the team’s left tackle in 2021. Alt stepped in after the Irish trotted out multiple replacements for Fisher, locking down the job, and playing at a very high level.
No matter who plays on which side, the truth is, this is a tandem that is going to be elite for the Irish in 2022, and at the least, 2023. The new starting quarterback can rest assured knowing that these two will be anchoring the offensive line, giving the team two possible NFL offensive tackles in those roles this season.