Notre Dame Lineman Joe Alt Speaks To Media At 2024 NFL Scouting Combine

Notre Dame is revered by many as the top program when it comes to develop offensive lineman for the NFL level. Historically speaking, there is a long list of tremendous players up front, including Zack Martin, Ronnie Stanley and Quenton Nelson in recent memory.

The next in line is former Irish All-American left tackle Joe Alt, who is fighting to be the first offensive lineman drafted in the 2024 NFL Draft this April. He is busy competing at the 2024 NFL Scouting Combine this week, and was available to the media on Saturday.

Here is what Alt had to say.

Alt on transitioning from high school tight end:

“I think for me playing tight end was really helpful when it came to my athletic ability to keep my feet quick. So that was huge when I transitioned to tackle, having that foot speed and that stuff already there. Once I transitioned to left tackle, things moved quickly.”

Alt on technical refinement early on:

“I think for me, it was about working on my punch by striking out. That kind of wasn't as emphasized at tight end as it wasn't really easy to change things. I kind of saw it coming. My body was kind of growing and I knew that was coming.”

Alt on his hand strike and meeting with the New York Jets:

“That's very important. I have a pretty long body, so being able to use that striking guys away from me is very important. I spoke with the New York Jets. I know quite a bit about them. I know a few people on the staff so it’s always great to be able to speak with them and their franchise.”

Alt on playing hockey and basketball:

“I always knew how to skate but basketball kind of took over for me. So I love hockey but that went to the wayside and focused on that.”

Alt on his feedback from teams:

“The feedback has all been positive. There are always things to work on, get better, grind and stuff like that. But it’s been positive. So it has all been going pretty well.”

Alt on legacy offensive lineman at Notre Dame:

“There have been a lot of legacy players at Notre Dame. It’s been a lot of fun. One guy I’ve gotten to know well is Tim Grunhard, who played with my dad. His son Colin actually showed me around a lot when I was recruiting. He left the year I came but I got pretty close with him.”

Alt on importance of footwork:

“I think footwork is very important and then getting you into that position so you can throw your hands and once you get through your hand. It’s all about staying in front of guys, staying inside.”

Alt on relationship with Blake Fisher:

“We're actually roommates, so we get to come back every night or leave every morning together. And it's just been a lot of fun, just kind of continuing what we did in college to the next level.”

Alt on preference of playing left or right tackle:

“I played left, so I'd naturally be more natural there, but I don't have a preference. I've been working on both.”

Alt on what he brings to the table:

“It’s a laser focus and it's like I said, I'm going to do whatever it takes to win that win that play. And refusing to let my guy get the ball, I'm competitive. I think for me, outside of football, I've always been competitive in my own game.”

Alt on being able to run outside zone:

“Being able to be an athlete, use proper football and be relentless and a blocker is very important to me. I know that's one of the things that I really try to prioritize my game. We didn't run a ton of that at Notre Dame, but I've always wanted to and really took a lot of passion in it. I want to be able to do that and work the footwork and work the technique a lot.”

Alt on best pass rusher he went against:

“I really enjoy it. There was a double team with me in my left guard during the Cal game my sophomore year. I think we double team about 20 yards down the field. That was probably the best. I would probably say JT (Tuimoloau) from Ohio State this year probably the best or last year Myles Murphy from Clemson.”

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