What happened to Kenny Ashley

It's been an interesting year for former Los Angeles (Calif.) Venice running back Kenny Ashley. The talented athlete committed early in the recruiting process a year ago to Mississippi State, then changed his commitment to USC the night before Signing Day. Ashley wasn't able to qualify and we checked in with the running back to see what his future plans looked like.

Ashley, 5-8, 200 pounds was one of our favorite running backs a year ago. He didn't get anywhere near the hype as some of the other top backs in the region but had a big senior season and then showed at the CaliFlorida Bowl that he was as talented as any back in the state. Despite his early commitment to MSU, Ashley always maintained USC was his dream school and said if they ever offered, it would be tough to turn them down and that's just what happened.

"It was one of the toughest decisions of my life," Ashley said. "On one hand, I felt loyal to Mississippi State and loved it there on my visit. On the other hand, here was my chance to play for my dream school. It came down to the wire but in the end, I decided USC was where I wanted to be so I committed to them right before Signing Day.

"I thought I was good to go academically but I didn't realize until later in the process that I needed to take the writing part of the ACT to get in to USC. I didn't hear about that until June and by then it was too late to go anywhere else. I could have gotten in to Mississippi State or actually anywhere else and I was definitely kicking myself for awhile after the fact. I actually could have still made it in to USC because I heard that the whole deal about needing the writing part of the ACT didn't apply for admissions until the class of 2007, not 2006.

"I don't have any hard feelings though, I wish those guys nothing but the best and still talk to some of the guys on the team. I was hurting though earlier in the year when I was sitting out and watching football instead of playing it for the first time since I was a kid. I really missed it bad but as time went on, things got better and I was able to handle everything.

"I've stayed in great shape and I'm working out every day with a personal trainer. Right now, I'm open to everyone but the two schools recruiting me the hardest and that have offered are Boise State and UNLV. I'm visiting Boise State (Nov. 17) and I have a trip set to UNLV for (Dec. 8). I like those two a lot but like I said, I'm open to anyone who wants to recruit me. I still have all my eligibility left and I'll be able to sign in February and enroll in time for Spring practice."