Florida football gets commitment from top 2027 IOL Maxwell Hiller

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Florida football scored a major win on the recruiting front on Wednesday by earning a commitment from the No. 1 interior offensive lineman in the 2027 cycle, Maxwell Hiller.

The 6-foot-5-inch, 300-pound trench warrior out of Coatesville (Pennsylvania) is one of the top-ranked recruits to commit to the Gators in the modern recruiting era and represents the crown jewel of the recruiting class for the Orange and Blue. So far, at least.

Hiller cites his relationship with the coaching staff as a major contributor in his decision.

"The comfortability, relationships and the development piece there. Coach (Rusty) Whitt, the strength coach, Coach (Phil) Trautwein, I just like how they do things," he told Swamp247. "They put guys to the next level and they develop guys, and that's what I'm looking for."

In particular, it was offensive line coach Phil Trautwein, who has been scouting him since his time with the Penn State Nittany Lions, who spearheaded his recruitment and drew him to Florida.

"I've known Trautwein since like eighth grade. He offered me in eighth grade when he was up at Penn State," Hiller noted. "I like Coach Traut like more than a coach, he's my guy. I can talk to Traut about anything I need, and he'll deliver with me, and I know he will."

Prior to Trautwein's arrival in Gainesville, the Gators were a mere afterthought to the blue-chip prospect.

"I view Traut (more) than just a coach, and honestly, if Traut didn't get that job, I probably wouldn't have taken a visit to Florida," Hiller said.

Speaking of visits, Hiller had made two stops in the Swamp before his commitment. He attended the program's Junior Day event back on Jan. 24, meeting Trautwein and Jon Sumrall in person — as well as getting first impressions of the school — and followed that up in late March.

"When I first took my visit to Florida, I came in with a lot of unknowns and seeing everything, and the second visit, I just felt so comfortable," Hiller said. "I talked to all the coaches on the phone a ton throughout the weeks. I talked to them every day… I just felt so comfortable there."

All the while, Florida sat at the top of his list of preferred schools. Now committed to UF, he sets his sights on an official visit with the team from June 19-21.

Maxwell Hiller's recruiting summary

Hiller is ranked No. 5 overall and No. 1 at his position nationally according to the 247Sports composite, while the Rivals industry ranking has him at Nos. 4 and 1, respectively. He chose Florida from a list of 31 suitors, including offers from eight other SEC schools, plus the Miami Hurricanes and Florida State Seminoles.

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This article originally appeared on Gators Wire: Florida football lands commitment from top 2027 IOL Maxwell Hiller

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