Gophers' Aireontae Ersery, Dragan Kesich named preseason All-America

Ersery and Kesich were recognized at Preseason All-Americans by Phil Steele Publications.

Oct 7, 2023; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Golden Gophers place kicker Dragan Kesich (99) celebrates his field goal against the Michigan Wolverines during the first quarter at Huntington Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Krohn-USA TODAY Sports / Matt Krohn-USA TODAY Sports

Gophers offensive tackle Aireontae Ersery and kicker Dragan Kesich were recognized as preseason All-American in college football analyst Phil Steele's annual preview magazine.

Steele's College Football Preview magazine has become a staple amongst diehard college football fans. He is one of the most well-respected reporters in the industry and his Preseason All-America teams have become a high-honor.

Ersery, heading into his fifth season of college football, was named on the third-team offensive line. He is one of the top returning players on the Gophers, earning an 84.0 PFF grade last season, ranking as the team's second-best player on the offensive side of the ball.

In his first season as the Gophers' full-time kicker, Kesich was one of the best at his position in the country. He made 23 of 27 field-goal attempts and all 27 of his extra points. The Oak Creek, Wisconsin native was named to the fourth team by Steele.

As for the preseason All-Big Ten teams in the preview, Minnesota had seven players recognized.

Wide receiver Daniel Jackson joined Kesich and Ersery on the first team; defensive lineman Danny Striggow and cornerback Justin Walley are named to the second team; linebacker Cody Lindenberg is on the third team; and punter Mark Crawford is on the fourth team.