The Associated Press announced its All-Big Ten teams today and three University of Minnesota football players were represented.
Aireontae Ersery was named First-Team Offense, while Koi Perich was named First-Team Defense. Both Ersery and Perich were named All-Big Ten First Team last week. Ersery, who was recognized as the Big Ten Offensive Lineman of the Year last week, was also named to the First Team last year by the Associated Press.
Ersery is one of the highest rated linemen in the nation according to Pro Football Focus (PFF). He is the No. 3 offensive lineman overall in the Big Ten and is the No. 18 among FBS tackles. According to PFF, Ersery gave up just one sack and one quarterback hit in 398 opportunities during the 2024 season. Ersery started all 12 games this year and started the last 38 games of his Minnesota career at left tackle. He has accepted an invitation to participate in the 2025 Reese’s Senior Bowl.
Perich is one of five finalists for the Shaun Alexander Freshman of the Year Award by the Maxwell Football Club. The award is presented to the outstanding freshman player in college football.
The Esko, Minn., native has excelled on defense and on special teams for Minnesota. He has played in all 12 games for the Gophers this year and has 42 tackles (24 solo), 1.5 tackles for loss, one forced fumble and a team-leading five interceptions. He has also returned 15 kickoffs for 298 yards and 17 punts for 173 yards. The dynamic freshman has even played a few snaps on offense this season.
Perich is the top-ranked freshman in the nation by Pro Football Focus and is the team’s top-ranked defensive player with a grade of 86.7. He is tied for 22nd among all defensive backs in the country and tied for 14th for FBS safeties. His grade is 12th overall in the Big Ten and second among Big Ten defensive backs and safeties.
Cody Lindenberg was placed on Second-Team Defense by the Associated Press. He led Minnesota with 94 tackles (45 solo) this season and also added five tackles for loss and one sack. He added one interception and six pass breakups.
(info and stock photo courtesy of Gopher Sports)
