Deandre quickly became one of my favorites almost a year ago when the initial rankings came out. He earned a top spot in the rankings and this article because he is one of those rare prospects. A massive 6’1″ 290 lbs frame that can control the line of scrimmage and eat up blocks without losing ground, or he can be asked to dominate a single gap and wreck havoc in the backfield. Deandre has a low center of gravity and a powerful base that allows him to hold his ground, and that power can also be released in the form of an explosive first step. Ehlen’s heavy hands match the rest of his play too. The tools are there, and I can’t wait to see the offseason growth this fall.

One of the hardest things to find is a varsity impact player that made his impact on the interior of the DL as a freshman. The 6’1″ 290 lbs Deandre Ehlen Deandre Ehlen 6'1" | 275 lbs | DL/OL Brookfield East | 2028 State WI is one of those special athletes who did just that. Even at his massive size Deandre has developed the balance and body control to bend, dip, or flip his hips to get through gaps and around OL quickly off the snap. The big man also possesses the power to bull rush IOL off the line and collapse the pocket. Ehlen also does really well finding the ball after the snap while in those trench battles. Deandre is the kid to know when it comes to interior DL play in this Class. His highlights are a must watch.

One of the most impressive DL in the entire state is freshman Deandre Ehlen Deandre Ehlen 6'1" | 275 lbs | DL/OL Brookfield East | 2028 State WI out of Brookfield East. The ’28 was a consistent starter on the varsity DL this season and looks like he has a very bright future ahead of him. Ehlen checked in at 6′ and an impressive 291 lbs. As you can guess, that mass is able to generate a lot of power. Especially with his ability to transition speed to power. Ehlen is very quick off the line, especially for his size and his hands were very strong on the end of his almost 6’6″ wingspan. Deandre’s leg drive and overall powerful base also helped him create that instant power on contact to collapse the pocket from the interior. The 2028 is quickly making himself one of the state’s best overall 2028s. You need to get on this kid early on.

Deandre is showing the early signs of being a dominant, elite IDL prospect. He is already an impressive 6’1″ 290 lbs and the ’28 is loaded with power. Deandre earned a spot on varsity and that is where he proved how dominant his strength is. Ehlen has heavy hands that deliver a devastating punch that swatted IOL to the side or at least created separation for him to use to get around the block. Ehlen is able to collapse the pocket from the interior and create disruption in the backfield even if he doesn’t get to the ball. Big things are ahead for the force in the middle of the Brookfield East DL. You need this kid on your radars, today.

Projection: Highly ranked in state

I’m a big fan of the small amount I’ve seen Ehlen play over the last calendar year. He lists himself at 6-foot and 250-pounds and generates a lot of power off the snap. Can play Offensive Guard too, but I think his future is on the interior D-Line as an active Defensive Tackle. Ehlen also plays baseball at a high level and is certainly a Wisconsin 2028 prospect to keep an eye on.