Ashley taking a slower approach

While many prospects are earning hundreds of frequent flier miles for attending camps all over the nation, Cincinnati St. Xavier three-star all-purpose back Darius Ashley is taking a more low-key approach to his summer.

"I haven't made any plans yet, but I know there are a few schools I'd like to get out and visit," he said.

"I'll probably try to visit Illinois and Virginia because I know people who are also going out there, but other than that I'm really working hard getting ready for my senior season."

Ashley rushed for 1,633 yards and 28 touchdowns in 2006. He knows it's going to be tough to top what he did as a junior, but he's focused on getting better and helping his team win more ball games.

"I just want to be a good leader for some of these younger guys," he said. "We have like 16 or 17 starters back from last year. We've reloaded so we should be very talented."

To help win games and stay focused, Ashley said he'd like to make an early decision.

"I'd like to commit before the season," he said. "I just want to get it out of the way and focus on my senior year."

But picking that final school might be really tough.

"I'm really open to anybody right now," he said. I just want to make sure to give everyone a fair look. A lot of schools talk to me on a daily basis. It's been pretty much the eight teams listed on my profile and then a couple others. I've heard a lot from West Virginia, Illinois, Louisville, Wisconsin, Indiana, Purdue and Boston College."