Two of the best players on the Gophers football team square off in hand-to-hand combat on a near daily basis.

It’s a main event worthy of a tub of popcorn and a coveted front-row seat: left tackle Aireontae Ersery versus defensive end Jah Joyner.

Joyner posted team-highs of 46 pressures and 7 1/2 sakes last season, while Ersery allowed only 15 pressures and two sacks a year ago, according to Pro Football Focus.

“I think it makes both of us great because we are coming off a strong season and I feel like it’s important for the younger guys to see stuff like that,” Ersery said. “Older guys putting in work day in and day out.”

Going into what is expected to be their final collegiate seasons, Ersery is considered a potential first-round pick in the NFL draft next April, while Joyner will likely hear his name called later on.

“It’s been a battle all fall camp,” Joyner said of one-on-ones with Ersery. “We definitely got each other better throughout the years.”

Both player gave the other his flowers. “He’s one of the best in the country,” Joyner said of 6-foot-6, 330-pound Ersery. “He is able to move his feet really well.”

Ersery said the 6-foot-5, 265-pound Joyner is “athletic, quick, strong, smart. You got to come with your ‘A’ game. Me and Jah are teammates, so it’s a little different …”

But who wins more one-on-one battles?

Ersery lightly laughed before mostly dodging the question. “It goes back and forth,” he said. “But yeah.”

“Right now, it’s a tie,” Joyner answered. “Yeah, let ’em know that.”

Injury update

The Gophers rested or held out approximately 10 starting-caliber players in Tuesday’s practice, including No. 1 receiver Daniel Jackson who was not in pads. He is expected back later this week.

Potential starting safety Darius Green has been out to start preseason camp. “Darius should be back pretty soon; he had an off-the-field issue in the summer that the trainers are keeping him out for,” head coach P.J. Fleck said.

Lindsey learning

With starting quarterback Max Brosmer not practicing much Tuesday, backup true freshman Drake Lindsey saw a lot of reps — and there were a lot of things to coach up.

On some passing plays, he dealt with pressure in his face and coverage sacks. Some of those plays came consecutively as the speed of play appeared to be moving pretty fast for the Fayetteville, Ark., native.

Brosmer recalled moments he had his own issues as a young player at FCS-level New Hampshire. “That’s happened here (at Minnesota), too,” Brosmer said, “because we are always trying to grow. As a freshman, I don’t know what I’m looking at. I’m just like throw to the open guy, but sometimes you have no idea where the open guy is.”

Lindsey bounced back later in practice and connected on a nice play-action pass to tight end Piece Walsh.

Briefly

The Gophers had a sloppier practice Tuesday than they did on Saturday. They didn’t have a left tackle for one play and had multiple problems with illegal shifts. Fleck stopped practice at one point to calmly teach them about the importance of getting set before another player goes in motion. … Koi Perich is considered the top-rated in-state recruit in the Gophers’ 2024 class, but that doesn’t mean there isn’t an adjustment period for the touted Esko native. During an inside run drill, sixth-year Michigan State transfer tailback Jaren Mangham ran over Perich. To his credit, Perich popped right back up. At this point, Perich’s most likely path to the field is on special teams, perhaps as punt returner. … Defensive tackle Theo Randle had multiple disruptive plays Tuesday; those splash moments can help him be the depth the U seeks in the interior of the D-line. … Freshman tailback Fame Ijeboi had some nice runs Tuesday, but it will be a challenge for him to see the field this fall with the number of players ahead of him. … Penn State transfer receiver Cristian Driver showed explosiveness taking a short slant and racking up yards after the catch; he might be challenging for a starting spot. … The Gophers had representatives from a handful of NFL teams watch practice on Tuesday, including the Patriots, Broncos, Falcons and Texans.

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