Aireontae Ersery Interview: 'I’m Pretty Much Prepared For Anything'

Minnesota offensive tackle Aireontae Ersery is one of the best offensive line prospects in college football. A three-year starter at left tackle, Ersery is experienced, productive, long, and athletic. That's the type of blocker NFL teams covet at the next level.

The No. 25 overall prospect in our latest Draft Network Top 100 player rankings, Ersery recently spoke exclusively with The Draft Network. Ersery discussed contributing as a true freshman, his approach in pass protection, his favorite calls to execute in Minnesota's playbook, and more.

JM: You actually made one start as a true freshman in 2020 against Nebraska. That’s not exactly common. What was it about your mindset that allowed you to contribute from such a young age?

Aireontae Ersery: I was mentally prepared for anything when I came in as a freshman. That COVID year played a big role in our 2020 season. Young guys like myself had to be ready to step up because you never knew when the guy in front of you was going to be sidelined.

I was ready mentally. Our coaching staff made sure I was ready. They put me in a good position in that Nebraska game. I went out there and played.

JM: You were ready and you never looked back. You have a ton of experience as a high-quality starter, now a three-year starter at left tackle. You've gotten better every single year. How would you summarize the experience at Minnesota to date?

Aireontae Ersery: It’s been a once-in-a-lifetime experience. I don’t think I’ll ever have another life experience like this one. We have a bunch of amazing professionals at our program. We have an excellent coaching staff. We have some of the best football coaches in the world.

They’ve put me in amazing positions to go out there and be successful. My success starts with the coaching staff. This program molded me from a kid into the man I am today. They raised me. Once I leave Minnesota, I’ll be ready for anything.

JM: You've been credited with allowing just seven pressures all season long. When we turn the tape on, we see a physically gifted blocker with the size, athleticism, and length required to thrive on an island. Talk to me about your approach in pass protection, and the mentality you’ve developed.

Aireontae Ersery: I’m physical at the point of attack in pass protection. I’m always the one that starts the fight. I’m detail-oriented in pass pro. That comes first and foremost. I never want to give anything away.

I go out there and have fun. I don’t overthink it. Like you said, I’m a three-year starter now. I’ve seen a lot of different moves. I don’t think there’s a pass-rush move you can hit me with that I’m not familiar with. I’m pretty much prepared for anything.

JM: Speaking of those different moves, how do you handle speed differently from power in pass pro?

Aireontae Ersery: It depends on who we’re playing. The approach may be a little different. I just try to go out there and be the best version of Aireontae Ersery I can be. I’ll choose me against speed or power over anybody else any day of the week.

JM: You've played in a few different systems, but I love watching you operate in a zone-based run game. Minnesota has mixed it up.

Aireontae Ersery: I just love run blocking in general. You want to set the tone and start off by establishing the run. We want to send a message to the defense like hey, we’re getting after it today (laughs). The defense wants to get to our quarterback, but they have to stop the run first.

We have to do our job at a high level as run blockers. Our offensive line, we rub off on each other once that energy gets going. Our offense puts us in great positions to be ourselves. We never try to be something we’re not. 

JM: Is that zone-based scheme your favorite to execute?

Aireontae Ersery: I don’t really have a favorite. You can plug and play me in any system. I’m ready for anything, honestly. I just love playing football.

JM: What's your favorite play to run in the playbook? Something you get excited about hearing in the huddle. 

Aireontae Ersery: I do love the opportunity to pin and pull. I love being that pulling tackle, going out there and picking on those little tiny people, those little dudes out there on the perimeter (laughs). 

I know they see me running at them and say oh my, let me get out of his way. They make a business decision. That’s probably my favorite play in the playbook, anytime we pin and pull and I get to showcase my athleticism.

JM: We love that (laughs). What's the best game Aireontae Ersery has played in a Minnesota jersey to date, and why?

Aireontae Ersery: Man, that’s a difficult question. I’ve had a lot of good games bro (laughs). If I had to choose one on the spot right now, I’d probably say Michigan. That’s always an opponent we look forward to.

They have several guys on their defensive line that will be playing at the next level. That’s the case every single year. I always look forward to that Michigan game. I think I’ve played well against those caliber of teams.

JM: We've appreciated your time today. What are your goals for the remainder of this season?

Aireontae Ersery: Like I told my young teammates, I just want to be here as a vessel for the program. I want to help lead others. I just want to continue getting better every single week. There’s always something I can fix and get better at.

I’m going to continue being a good person and a great teammate. I’m the type that spreads kindness.