Collin Ashley Signs with Vanderbilt

NASHVILLE-– The Vanderbilt Commodores have added a second all-state receiver from Texas to their 2009 signing class, Head Coach Bobby Johnson confirmed Wednesday. (free video inside)

Collin Ashley, a two-time Texas 5A All-State receiver and return specialist from Flower Mound High School, joins fellow Texas receiving standout Brady Brown among the newest class of Commodores. Ashley and Brown also reside in the same vicinity, living 15 miles apart in communities northwest of Dallas.

The 5-11, 170-pound Ashley was a versatile, three-year starter at Flower Mound, and set numerous team receiving marks as a senior after focusing as a cornerback in 2006-07.

The Commodore head coach said he was pleased that Ashley was available when Vanderbilt recently ended spring practice with a thin receiving corps due to the loss of senior Justin Wheeler to injury.

“We’re extremely pleased to add a player of Collin’s ability to this class,” Johnson said.

“We knew about Collin through the recruiting process, and knew what kind of talent and character he possessed. When we realized our need at receiver during spring practice, we immediately looked to sign Collin,” Johnson added.

Ashley becomes the third Texan in the Commodores’ 18-player signing class, joining Brown and defensive back prospect Eddie Foster of Heritage High School in Colleyville, also located near Dallas and Fort Worth.

Flower Mound offensive coordinator and assistant head coach Bo Wasurick said Ashley is one of the top players to come out of the school.

“Collin is the most versatile player I’ve ever coached,” Wasurick said. “As a junior, he was one of the top cornerbacks in the state. For him to turn around this season and play receiver the way he did was phenomenal.

“We compete in one of the toughest football districts in all of Texas and Collin is probably the kid more ready to play (at the next level) than anybody I’ve coached,” Wasurick said.

Ashley was a three-time All-District and two-time All-State selection. As a sophomore, he topped the elite Texas 5A classification with eight interceptions, helping the Jags to the state playoffs. As a junior, Ashley earned District 6-5A MVP and second team All-State honors as a defensive back and return specialist.

In 2008, he blossomed as a wide receiver in Flower Mound’s spread offense. Ashley set new team records with 71 receptions, 955 receiving yards and 17 touchdown receptions as a senior, helping the Jags to a 6-4 season. He also earned All-State honors as a return specialist, averaging 33.1 yards on 20 kickoff returns and nearly 15 yards as a punt returner.

Ashley also is a well-rounded athlete. As a sophomore, he was the starting center fielder for one of Texas’ top prep baseball teams and currently is hitting over .400 for the Jags this season. As a junior, Ashley turned his attention to track, advancing to the regional finals in the 100 meters with a personal best of 10.7.