A corner that does many of the right things while making the flashy play here and there, Justin Ehlers Justin Ehlers 6'0" | 190 lbs | ATH Sergeant Bluffluton | 2028 State IA looks ready-made for FCS ball. A corner that doesn’t get beat deep, stays disciplined as a tackler, breaking down and making open-field tackles with the best of the corners in the state and staying locked up with his assignment, Ehlers is a player that may not get the attention now, but he will if he keeps trending upward.

Posting 34.5 tackles, two tackles-for-loss (TFLs), forcing a fumble, grabbing two interceptions (including a pick-six) and posting three pass-breakups (PBUs), Ehlers has potential at either corner or nickel at the next level, especially thanks to his consistency as a tackler.

We last evaluated Ehlers back in April. That means the profile needs updating with what he showed us as a sophomore for a team that made it back to the UNI-Dome, this year in a larger class. He posted 34.5 tackles, 32 of which were solo stops. Ehlers added a pair of tackles for loss, a forced fumble, two interceptions, including a Pick-6, and three passes defended. He averaged 20.9 yards on seven kick returns. On top of all that, Ehlers completed six of eight passes and averaged 4.0 yards on three carries. He added 10 pounds to his frame since the last update. Ehlers looks the part of a next-level defensive back. We saw that in the state semifinals against Pella, when he racked up seven solo tackles, including a stop for loss. Ehlers thrives as a cornerback on this level, as we can see throughout his 10th-grade highlight video. He’s sticky in coverage with fluid actions in changing directions. There’s also a path to being a college safety here.

Ehlers flashed potential during his opportunities as a freshman on the varsity in 2024. That proved especially true as a returner. He averaged 39.3 yards and scored a touchdown on seven kick returns. Ehlers also looked solid in the secondary and gained 12 yards on his only touch on offensive last season. When we watch his ninth-grade highlights, the easy speed shines through on a long return. Ehlers makes good decisions when bringing the ball back, which helps him find the seams. He accelerates well through the holes. His film also includes clips of him making tackles on special teams’ coverage. Keep an eye on this kid this season as breakouts in the other two phases seems like a good bet.