Star Tribune
Last update: August 20, 2005 at 8:55 PM
Ashley sets sights on joining 'U'
August 21, 2005 UFOT0821.SIDE
Walker Ashley stood inside the Gophers football practice facility in street clothes Saturday after the team held its open scrimmage. The former Eden Prairie star defensive lineman expects to practice on that same field in a Gophers uniform next spring.
Ashley, the state's top recruit in 2004, met with Gophers coaches and told them he will retake his college entrance exam this fall and enroll in school in January.
Ashley signed with Southern California last winter but failed to qualify academically. Ashley (6-5, 300 pounds) returned home last week and began exploring his options.
Ashley said throughout the recruiting process that he felt comfortable with every facet of the Gophers program. On Saturday, he said that the Gophers are a better fit and that he made "the wrong decision" when he signed with USC.
Ashley said he will work with a personal trainer to stay in shape this fall. He can participate in spring practice if he enrolls in January.
Ashley was rated the 11th-best defensive tackle in the nation by Rivals.com and had scholarship offers from Oklahoma, Ohio State and Penn State, among others.