Five-star Maxwell Hiller commits to Gators as new O-line coach Phil Trautwein delivers
GAINESVILLE — Top-rated offensive line prospect Maxwell Hiller committed to Florida on Wednesday, giving the Gators their first five-star O-lineman in more than a decade. The 6-foot-5, 300-pound Hiller spurned Alabama, Ohio State and Tennessee to join a program in need of talent up front during first-year head coach Jon Sumrall’s rebuild . “I’m home, Go Gators,” Hiller wrote on his X account .
The Coastesville, Pennsylvania, product becomes the first player rated the No. 1 offensive lineman to join the Gators since Apopka’s Martez Ivey signed in 2015. Hiller is the nation’s No.
4 overall prospect, according to 247Sports rankings . Hiller’s decision highlights the impact of incoming offensive line coach Phil Trautwein , a two-time national championship left tackle at Florida who spent the last six seasons at Penn State. Upon his arrival, Trautwein signed two transfers from his former school, guard TJ Shanahan and tackle Egan Boyer , and convinced Emeka Ugorji to leave Stanford for the SEC after a promising true freshman season.
Each is expected to figure prominently in Florida’s plans this season. Edgar Thompson can be reached at egthompson@orlandosentinel. com