Tennessee has made defensive back Cris Hill's final two.

That's no minor accomplishment considering the 5-foot-11, 165-pound standout from Highland Springs (Va.) High School was once mulling nearly 30 scholarship offers. Hill recently whittled down the list from six schools to his final two: UT and Virginia Tech.

Ohio State, Michigan and Florida were eliminated once distance from home was considered. Now, the Vols and Hokies lead West Virginia, which is also in the mix.

Hill will be one of UT's 17 official visitors this weekend, seven of whom haven't announced where they'll play college football. Hill took an unofficial visit to Knoxville during the summer. The trip made an impression.

"I was elated," Hill said. "I enjoyed myself. That's why I'm taking a trip to go back there. I just like how they approach things, a family approach. They care for you."

Hill already has some "football family" scheduled to play for the Vols next season. Teammate/defensive back C.J. Fleming committed to play for UT in August.

"We've talked about it (playing together)," Hill said, "but I don't think it will be a deciding factor."

Hill wasn't even supposed to be in this situation when he began playing high school football. Hill didn't make the junior varsity team during his freshman year. Instead, he played on the freshman team. Then, a year later, Hill was starting for the varsity throughout his sophomore season.

"He's not anywhere done getting better," Highland Springs head coach Scott Burton said of his late bloomer. "He kind of came out of nowhere. He's one of the hardest-working kids I've ever been around. Work ethic has never been a question for him."

Talent hasn't been a question since Hill's rapid ascension up the Virginia football ranks. Highland Springs has produced two starting Division-I defensive backs recently -- West Virginia's Larry Williams and Virginia Tech's Victor Harris. Now, it could have two more with Fleming and Hill.

"Chris probably has the best technique and is probably the fastest of all those kids," Burton said. "He was one of the only players in our (35-team) region to be named first-team offense and defense."

Burton said Hill had over 1,000 total yards this season at receiver and four interceptions while playing cornerback.

Hill said he'd make a decision within a month. He took an official visit to Virginia Tech last weekend.