12/14/2006 football Edit

Rivals250 CB Hill commits to Virginia Tech

Mike Farrell

Recruiting Analyst

Four-star cornerback Cris Hill out of Highland Springs, Va. concluded his recruitment earlier today by committing to Virginia Tech over Tennessee, Ohio State, Florida, Michigan, West Virginia and others. The 5-foot-11, 166-pounder actually had his mind made up well before today though.

"I actually decided two days ago that I was going to commit to Virginia Tech," he said. "Then I called the coaches including Jim Cavanaugh, Torrian Gray, Bud Foster and Frank Beamer to give them the news this afternoon.

"I talked to just about the entire defensive staff and they were very excited about my commitment. Then they told me they were very glad to have me on board and welcomed me as part of the family."

The Rivals250 prospect discussed what made him select the Hokies in the end.

"I really like the style of defense they run. They have the No. 1 defense in the nation and are always good year in and year out," he said. "They also go to bowl games every year and have everything else I wanted in a school."

Obviously Hill is staying in-state, how much of a factor was location in his decision?

"It was a little bit because I was down to Tennessee and Virginia Tech. I preferred to go where my family can see most of my games and that was at Virginia Tech," he said. "As for the players there like Macho Harris and others, that wasn't a big factor. It was another positive for me since I'm familiar with them and the program, but that was all."

The coaches haven't discussed the No. 16 cornerback's chances of playing yet.

"I believe they prefer me to play cornerback, but they haven't talked about playing time at all," he said. "They may try me at wide receiver, but it's not a big deal for me. I'll do whatever I can to help the team."

Today's decision by Hill was a culmination of a childhood dream come true.

"I'm a kid living a dream," he said. "I grew up watching Virginia Tech and always hearing about them in the newspaper and on TV. Now I just can't wait to get down there and keep this thing going."