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- Commitment Burn Barometer
- Watch: Five-star receiver Easton Royal talks Florida official visit
- Happy Homecoming: Former teammates talk Hardmon and Trautwein
- Tulane player goes in-depth on Sumrall
Maxwell Hiller is a five-star offensive lineman from Coatesville Area High School in Coatesville, Pennsylvania. Hiller is the number three overall prospect in the class of 2027. He committed to Florida on April 8th, 2026, and has built tight connections with the staff ever since.
Read on to learn more about his commitment process, personal life, and future goals in this edition of Getting to Know.
FOOTBALL/RECRUITING
Take us through the process that led to your commitment. What was that like?
“It was all over the place. Penn State was one of my top schools, and then it just started going downhill. Then I started exploring other places. I really liked Alabama, Ohio State, Tennessee, and Florida. Once Traut got down to Florida, I went down there because I knew I wanted to be coached by Traut, but I didn’t know anything about Florida or the staff. I went down there, and it was perfect. I was really close to going to Alabama, but they fired their offensive line coach. I think everything fell into place at the end.”
What school would you say came in second?
“Tennessee 100%. It was probably Florida, Tennessee, Alabama, and Ohio State.”
What is the craziest thing that happened to you during the recruiting process?
“Probably when the school I was going to go to fired their head coach. I was going to go to Penn State, but then Coach [James] Franklin got fired.”
What would you say inspired you to start playing football?
“Probably my cousin Nolan. He went to the high school I go to now. He plays linebacker at an FCS school out in Missouri.”
What are some of your greatest strengths as a football player?
“My mentality. I feel like a fish that plays really well, and I would say functional strength.”
What is the most appealing part of Florida to you?
“Just the culture there and the coaching, it’s great.”
What is your favorite football memory?
“My first ever practice. I didn’t know how it was going to go. I was nervous. I showed up and started tossing kids. I was probably like ten years old.”
What do you need to work on the most when you get to Florida?
“Hand placement and fine technique.”
Who have you spoken to the most from your recruiting class?
“Peyton Miller and Elijah Hutcheson.”
Who are you looking forward to playing with or maybe going against in practice?
“Definitely them two (Peyton Miller and Elijah Hutcheson). A couple of the defensive linemen as well. I’m looking forward to playing with Harrison [Moore], TJ [Shanahan Jr.], and Davin [Davidson] too.”
Who is your favorite professional football team?
“The Rams because of Aaron Donald. He was my favorite player growing up.”
What did Coach [Phil] Trautwein tell you that stuck with you the most?
“Just how real Coach Trautwein was. Coach Trautwein treats me like I’m not just a player, like an actual human. You can tell he’s not fake; he’s just down-to-earth great guy. A great coach and a great guy off the field.”
What type of player do the coaches believe you can become?
“An impact player. A leader and a culture changer.”
What are your goals as a freshman?
“To play, I want to play as early as possible. I’ll do whatever it takes. Whether it’s guard, tackle, whatever gets me on the field the fastest.”
What part of your game are you working on the most?
“Just my technique right now and my explosiveness. My explosiveness is what I think sets me apart.”
What should fans expect from you when you arrive on campus?
“I’m just going to work hard and do whatever it takes to start playing. Change the culture and get back to the old Florida and win some football games.”
Do you have any funny stories/moments of Coach [Jon] Sumrall or Coach [Phil] Trautwein?
“Yeah, I had to kidnap Coach Sumrall to make a TikTok with us this past weekend at Grill in the Ville. Good moment. Coach Sumrall took me out in the Maybach last weekend. Coach Trautwein is a very serious dude. We just mess around with him.”
PERSONAL
What is your major?
“I’d say I’m undecided right now, but if I was leaning towards one at the moment, I would say business, but that can always change.”
If you could play a sport outside of football, what would it be?
“Lacrosse or Basketball.”
What would be your first purchase if you got drafted in the first round of the NFL Draft?z
“I would buy my family a beach house. We’ve always wanted one of those.”
What is one thing that you can’t live without?
“My family, God, probably my phone.”
You’re given the AUX cord in the locker room before a big game. What is your go-to song?
“Some hype YoungBoy song.”
What is your favorite movie?
“John Wick 3 or 4.”
What is your favorite TV show?
“Outerbanks for sure.”
Do you play any video games, if so, which ones?
“I play NCAA, a little bit of 2K, a little bit of Fortnite, I like GTA too.”
What are you looking forward to in college outside of football?
“Just the student life. Having fun with teammates and stuff like that.”
What is one thing Gator Nation does not know about you?
“Maybe that I have a brother who’s really good at basketball. I’d say some know, probably, but for the ones who don’t.”
If you had to eat at one restaurant for the rest of your life, what would it be?
“I’d say Chipotle or Osaka.”
If you could have dinner with anyone at any point in history, who would it be and why?
“Lane Johnson. He’s a goat.”
What are three things on your bucket list?
“Hawaii trip, Jamaica trip, and bass fishing in Florida.”
What is your favorite quality in a teammate?
“A super hard worker.”
Apple Music or Spotify?
“Apple Music.”
Early bird or night owl?
“Night owl.”
What’s your biggest pet peeve?
“When I say someone’s name, and they don’t respond. I know they hear me and just don’t answer me.”
Quiet or outgoing?
“I’d say a little bit of both. It depends on who I am with and where I am at. I’d say more outgoing.”
What advice do you have for young players dreaming of going to college?
“Don’t compare yourself to others; it tears you down a lot.”
What do you want people to think when they hear the name Maxwell Hiller five years from now?
“One of the greats.”
What is your message to Gator Nation?
“Let’s win. That’s all I got. Let’s win.”
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