Everything Houston Texans OT Aireontae Ersery said following Day 2 of minicamp

Here's everything Houston Texans offensive tackle Aireontae Ersery said following Day 2 of minicamp, including his growth from Year 1 to Year 2 and his relationship with Pro Bowl quarterback C.J. Stroud.

Question: On what areas he believes he has improved the most

Aireontae Ersery: “When I get asked that question by my teammates, some of my coaches and I tell them it's confidence. It’s also just getting my strength back because last year, it was like the longest year. It really was. When people say it's the longest year, it really is the longest year that you probably ever have to go through. Dealing with little bugs and injuries during the combine and the Senior Bowl, my main focus was really getting my power back, getting deep in my playbook and just bringing the young guys, whoever came in, bringing them along.”

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Q: On the potential of this year’s offensive line

Ersery: “I think the sky's the limit. Last year was last year. We put that to bed already. We are more focused on what this unit can do and what this unit can be. I think our unit can be very, very special, led by Cole [Popovich]. I think it all kind of trickles down. We have young guys flying around, making plays, wanting to hit people in the mouth. I know a couple guys probably mentioned it, [Head Coach] DeMeco [Ryans] pulling the offensive line back, which typically doesn't happen. It's usually on the defensive side. It's been refreshing.”

On the competitiveness at practice with the defense

“Every day it's a battle that I love. I love going up against those guys. We just got [DE] Danielle [Hunter] back yesterday. I know every day before I even hit the practice field that I have to bring that mentality. I have to come up there on my ‘A game’ because [DE] Will [Anderson Jr.] only know one speed and I have to match his tempo. We both have to get each other better.”

Q: On how he would describe the growth between the offense this season compared to last year

Ersery: “I think it starts with the quarterback. C.J.has done an unbelievable job this offseason during his OTAs of just taking control. We remind him this is your offensive line, you take control of whatever you need us to do, we will do it. Then it just gets passed down. We have guys communicating across the line, making sure that we're playing fast. That's the thing. That's the advantage that we want to have, is play fast.”

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Q: On who is stepping up as a vocal leader on the offensive line this season

Ersery: “We have multiple guys on the offensive line. The biggest thing with leadership is that you have to be consistent. And that comes with time, consistency and proof. Every day you have to show up and be the same guy every day. We have several guys, including me, including other guys on the offensive line, [C] Jake [Andrews], [G] Wyatt Teller, even Rutledge, a good young guy. I would say anybody can step up.”

Q: On thoughts on G Wyatt Teller

Ersery: “I think the sky's the limit for him. He's tough, smart, physical football player. Plays the Houston Texans' brand of football. So far, he has done a great job switching positions, playing center. I'm excited for him in the future.”

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Q: On what he has noticed in year two of Offensive Coordinator Nick Caley’s offensive scheme

Ersery: “I think it's just a lot of calmness going on, a lot of over-communicating, making sure guys are at the right spot because that's what it all comes down to. Last year, we had-- feeling like these guys not set. I feel like this year we've done a great job of everybody getting set, everybody doing their job and so that we can play fast and we can roll on to training camp and roll it on to the season.”

Q: On what he has seen from RB David Montgomery and the offensive line for run blocking

Ersery: “Coming from Detroit, I think he comes in as a tough running back. Woody [Marks] as well. He’s talented as well, played against Woody in college, probably mentioned that before, but I'm excited. I watched '32’ from afar and to be able to play with him, his footwork is super crisp, he's a leader. You can see he's out there picking stuff up easily. As I said, I'm excited for this team.”

This article originally appeared on Texans Wire: Texans: Everything OT Aireontae Ersery said following Day 2 of minicamp