Recent Aireontae Ersery Notes
Recent Aireontae Ersery Features
Moving on: 2025 Mock Draft
Aireontae Ersery
OVERVIEW
Ersery projects as a solid developmental tackle prospect with the potential to become a possible starter at the pro level. His impressive physical tools and rapid improvement trajectory suggest a high ceiling, particularly in a power-running scheme. While his pass protection skills need polish, his natural athleticism and size provide a strong foundation. In the right system, Ersery could contribute early as a run-blocking specialist while refining his pass-protection technique. His experience at both tackle spots increases his value, potentially allowing him to start his career as a swing tackle. As he continues to develop, Ersery has the tools to evolve into a formidable bookend tackle for an NFL offensive line.
BACKGROUND
Ersery, a 6'6"", 320-pound offensive tackle from Minnesota, has shown steady progression since his days as a three-star recruit out of Ruskin High School. Rated by both ESPN and 247 Sports as a 3-star prospect, Ersery chose to take his talents to the Golden Gophers, where he would develop into a cornerstone of their offensive line. Ersery's college career began modestly, with limited playing time in his first two seasons. As a freshman in 2020, he saw action in just one game, logging 73 snaps at right tackle without allowing a sack. His sophomore year in 2021 was even more limited, with only 3 snaps played, though he maintained a clean sheet in pass protection. The turning point came in 2022 when Ersery locked down the left tackle position, starting 12 games and playing 775 snaps. He showed promise in pass protection, allowing only 2 sacks and 8 QB hurries. His senior season in 2023 saw increased responsibility, as he started all 13 games and increased his snap count to 841. While he maintained his sack allowance at 2, he did see an uptick in QB pressures, giving up 9 hurries and 4 hits. Despite this, Ersery's overall performance earned him All-Big Ten Second Team and AP First Team All-Big Ten honors, highlighting his emergence as one of the conference's top offensive linemen.
ANALYSIS
PROS
Imposing frame with ideal NFL tackle size, possessing the length and bulk to handle edge rushers effectively Exceptional run blocker, consistently creating lanes and driving defenders off the ball with powerful initial punch Displays good lateral agility for his size, allowing him to reach the second level and engage linebackers Demonstrates a strong anchor in pass protection, rarely getting bull-rushed or driven back into the pocket Shows good hand placement and the ability to sustain blocks, particularly in the run game Versatile experience, having played at both left and right tackle positions during his college career Consistent performer with durability, starting 25 games over his final two seasons High football IQ and coachability, evident in his rapid development from limited snaps to full-time starter
CONS:
Can struggle with speed rushers coming off the edge, needing to improve his kick-slide and overall quickness Sometimes plays with high pad level, which can compromise his leverage against more technically sound defenders Hand timing in pass sets can be inconsistent, leading to missed blocks on stunts and blitzes May need time to adjust to the speed and complexity of NFL defenses due to his relatively late start as a full-time starter
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HISTORY -- From college bio
Sporting News Second Team All-American (2024)
AP Third Team All-American (2024)
FWAA Second Team All-American (2024)
Big Ten Rimington-Pace Offensive Lineman of the Year (2024)
All-Big Ten First Team (2024)
All-Big Ten Second Team (2023)
AP First Team All-Big Ten (2024, 2023)
All-Big Ten Honorable Mention (2022)
Academic All-Big Ten (2021)
CAREER: Started the final 38 games of his career at left tackle.
2024 • SENIOR SEASON: Started all 12 games he played in at left tackle • blocked for an offense that averaged 26.15 points per game and one that rushed for 115.6 yards per game and threw for 222.15 yards per game • protected for an offense that rushed for 18 touchdowns on the season and threw for 20. Game-by-Game: Started against North Carolina • blocked for an offense that scored five touchdowns (two rushing, three passing) and gained 422 total yards (116 rushing, 306 passing) against Rhode Island • started against Nevada and protected for an offense that ran for 195 yards and two touchdowns one that passed for 191 yards and one touchdown • started against Iowa • protected for an offense that passed for 258 yards at Michigan • paved the way for Minnesota to rush for three touchdowns and total 362 yards of offense against USC • started at UCLA • did not allow any sacks and blocked for an offense that threw for 320 yards and four touchdowns against Maryland • provided protection for an offense that totaled 361 yards at Illinois • started at Rutgers • started against Penn State • started at Wisconsin before leaving the game with an injury • opted out of the Virginia Tech game and declared for the 2025 NFL Draft.
2023 • JUNIOR SEASON: Started all 13 games at left tackle • blocked for an offense that rushed for 2,264 yards and 13 touchdowns and one that threw for 1,864 and 16 touchdowns. Game-by-Game: Started against Nebraska • blocked for an offense that rushed for 296 yards against Eastern Michigan • started at North Carolina and at Northwestern • blocked for an offense that scored five touchdowns, rushed for 201 yards and passed for 146 yards against Louisiana • started against Michigan and at Iowa • started against Michigan State and blocked for an offense that rushed for 200 yards and passed for 200 yards • started against Illinois • blocked for an offense that gained 407 yards at Purdue • started at Ohio State and against Wisconsin • blocked for an offense that rushed for 255 yards and scored three touchdowns against Bowling Green.
2022 • SOPHOMORE SEASON: Started all 13 games at left tackle • blocked for an offense that rushed for 2,698 yards and 33 touchdowns and one that passed for 2,369 yards and 12 touchdowns. Game-by-Game: Blocked for an offense that gained 485 total yards and rushed for five touchdowns • helped pave the way for Minnesota to gain 679 yards of offense (third most in school history) against Western Illinois • blocked for an offense against Colorado that gained 500 yards and scored seven touchdowns • protected for an offense that totaled 508 yards of offense (240 rushing, 268 passing), 32 first downs and 34 points and did not allow a sack at Michigan State • started against Purdue, at Illinois and at Penn State • protected for an offense that controlled the ball for 41:02 and racked up 375 yards of offense against Rutgers • blocked for an offense that totaled 300 yards of offense at Nebraska • paved the way for Minnesota to rush for 302 yards and four touchdowns against Northwestern • cleared the way for Minnesota to rush for 312 yards against Iowa • blocked for an offense that gained 416 total yards (319 passing) at Wisconsin • started against Syracuse.
2021: Redshirted • lone action of the season came at Northwestern where he helped pave the way for Minnesota’s final scoring drive of the game.
2020 • FRESHMAN SEASON: Played in one game • made his collegiate debut when he started at right tackle at Nebraska • did not allow a sack and protected for an offense that rushed for 206 yards and passed for 181 yards against the Cornhuskers.
HIGH SCHOOL: Played at Ruskin High School in Kansas City, Mo. • wore No. 63 for the Golden Eagles • started playing football his junior year of high school and played both offensive tackle and defensive end • also competed in track and field team in shot put, discus and javelin • placed fourth in the 2019 Missouri Class 4 State Championships for shot put with a throw of 51-7.5 • coached by William Perkins • consensus three-star recruit • ranked as the No. 71 offensive tackle in the nation and the No. 18 prospect in Missouri according to 247Sports.
PERSONAL: Son of Takita Charles • has five siblings (Danny Ersery, Dean Ersery and Cherish Ersery, Journey Stanford and Rain Spriggs).
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