There are high expectations for Kenneth Page, and the offensive lineman has no plans of falling short.

Page, from A.C. Flora High School in Columbia, S.C., has received scholarship offers from over 30 schools, including Tennessee, LSU, Georgia, South Carolina, Clemson, Oklahoma, Florida State and Michigan.

The early attention has caused Page to recognize his potential, which he believes has helped improve his work ethic.

"I don’t want to get to the next level and be a so-called bust," he said. "I’m going to keep working hard.

"I want to show them why I’m this and that. I have to stay on top of my game to show them."

The 6-foot-4, 290-pound Page was at the top of his game in January when he attended the U.S. Army National Combine in San Antonio. The combine hosts the nation’s top underclassmen.

A. C. Flora coach Robin Bacon said Page went to San Antonio determined to prove he can play with the nation’s elite.

"He was picked second team there and it really kind of ticked him off," Bacon said. "He really dominated the one-on-ones. He looked at it after and said, ‘Who’s picking these teams?’ "

Page has already taken unofficial visits to 10 colleges this spring. He visited UT on March 31 for the Orange and White Game.

Page said head coach Phillip Fulmer and running backs coach Kurt Roper told him they have a strong need for offensive linemen in the 2008 class.

"They said it’s a big factor," Page said. "They have a lot of seniors and juniors these next two years that are going to be leaving."

Bacon said Page has been a highly touted prospect because of his combination of size and athleticism. Page said UT’s coaches believe that combination would make him a natural in their offense.

"They told me how well I would fit in with their scheme," he said. "I thought highly of it."

Page said he sees a chance to play early at UT. That opportunity is a positive, but he said it won’t be a necessary factor.

"Either way it’s a win-win situation," he said. "When I come in I’d prefer that early playing time to help me mature faster and make me a better player.

"If I redshirt my first year I’d use that time to be bigger, stronger, faster and elevate my game."

One requirement from the school Page chooses is a strong academic program. He has a 4.3 GPA and earned a 1060 on his SAT.

Page said his parents have taught him to rely on more than football.

"It’s helped me a lot with learning how to handle myself better," he said. "With time management, there’s nothing overwhelming. I’m good at finding a way to get something done."

Page said Clemson and South Carolina have worked hard to keep him inside the state border. He said distance won’t be a factor, but he will give both schools strong consideration.

"They’ve made a big push, especially Clemson," he said. "That was the first school to start recruiting me. That showed they’re really interested in me. And then S.C. is right down the street."

Page said he plans to take a number of visits this summer to help narrow his list of schools, but he hasn’t scheduled any trips yet.