“My best memory probably has to be playing as a true freshman, going out there and not really knowing what to expect,” he said. “I had full faith, and my coaches had faith in me, and that’s what really gave me the confidence to go out there and play.”
Ersery’s presence also influences the Gophers defense, which gets an up-close look at the tackle’s talents during practice. Defensive end Danny Striggow believes he’s better because of Ersery.
“When he came in, coaches said, ‘You guys should take advantage of going against him, because he’s gonna be a first-round draft pick,’” Striggow said. “… So, every team rep, every pass rush rep, every one-on-one rep, whatever it is that you have against him, you’ve really gotta take advantage of it.”
Ersery carries a quiet confidence into Saturday’s game, and he’ll try to finish his Gophers career on a strong note against Penn State and in the Nov. 29 regular-season finale at Wisconsin. He’s started 36 consecutive games, battling through injuries but always answering the bell.
“I take pride in that because the best ability is availability,” he said.