Ernst, who is committed to Gannon, picked up an offer from Cortland – although committed, Ernst still is picking up offers/interest from some New York programs.

This was one of my favorite players to watch this season because of how versatile Joshua Ernst Joshua Ernst 6'1" | 170 lbs | DB Aquinas | 2025 State NY is by being able to play at both the CB & WR position at such a high level and having the aggressive ball skills that he possesses all around. At both positions, I was simply amazed by Ernst’s movement ability, especially when having to adjust his body for the football. Ernst has very quick feet, fluid hips, and knows how to work his eyes back to the football, which makes him a great football player. Being able to trust his eyes and mirror a receiver would show up at a high rate on film when playing at the CB spot. Ernst did play a lot of off zone coverage but certainly has the talent to man up on a WR if need be. The lateral quickness in Ernst’s game really allows him to cover a short amount of distance to make QBs second guess throws in his direction. Certainly, a complete CB that finished his senior season for Aquinas Institute. 

Ernst, who is the 3rd Aquinas prospect to head into the season committed, will head to Gannon after this season, a player I have seen live in a 7v7 setting before Ernst has great length to his game at 6’1 with long arms. Ernst does his best work in zone coverage on tape, where he can keep everything in front and break on the ball. He shows some solid athleticism and can close on the catch point. Ernst also does a solid job of using the sideline to his advantage, rerouting WRs as they get 5+ yards past the LOS on 9 routes.

Ernst, who returns as one of the top defensive backs in Rochester this season, is the third Aquinas 2025 prospect to commit before the season begins. Ernst earned an offer from Gannon after a strong camp performance and pledged to DII Gannon University. Ernst brings good measurables to the CB position at 6’1. Ernst has solid ball skills on tape and does a good job of utilizing his long arms to impact the catch point consistently.

Joshua Ernst Joshua Ernst 6'1" | 170 lbs | DB Aquinas | 2025 State NY had a heck of a junior season this past season for Aquinas Institute. Ernst on the year had 2 INTs, 1 fumble recovery, and 4 PBUs. This is a very versatile DB that can play all around the field. Ernst has even played at CB, SS and sometimes the LB spot for Aquinas. Coming into this year, Ernst will be a senior, and he will be relying heavily on his eyes when tracking the football deep down the field in coverage. Many times, Ernst’s eyes were key to being able to track the ball quickly over the top to make quick defensive plays. I was very impressed with how quickly Ernst could get from point A to point B in such a short period of time. Continuing to develop his footwork in coverage and off the snap is only going to make him a better CB. Ernst does stand in at 6’1” and will show up in run support as well for his defense. This is a CB that plays a heavy amount of off coverage and doesn’t play a lot of press but can get physical on WRs when need be.