South Carolina and Clemson are among the schools at the top of the list with 2027 OT Maxwell Hiller (6-6 300) of Coatesville, PA. This summer Hiller named a top eight of the Gamecocks, Tigers, Penn State, Ohio State, Georgia, Tennessee, Alabama and Maryland.
“South Carolina is one of, if not the top school, in my recruitment right now,” Hiller said Tuesday night. “I talk to them every single day with all my guys down there. I’m excited to continue to build this relationship. I think I’ve been down three times, maybe four. Every time I went on a visit, it just got better and better. I fell in love with the coaching staff and the culture of the team. Couple of my buddies like South Carolina, too. Every box is checked there.”
Teasley has worked with Hiller in camp and expressed to him why he sees him as a high-priority target for his offensive line.
“He says I’m coachable, and at my size, I have really good footwork, and I’m really smart,” Hiller said. “He said I check every box as well. It’s just flattering to hear that from Coach Teasley. He’s a good guy.”
USC head coach Shane Beamer is also doing his work with Hiller while letting him know what he would mean to his program in the future.
“We talk almost every week, if not every week,” Hiller said. “The relationship is getting better and better each time. I’d say it’s strong right now.”
Hiller was also at a Clemson camp this summer, where he got his first look at what the program is all about.
“It’s also a really good place. It’s neck and neck with South Carolina for the same reasons,” Hiller said. “It’s going to be a close battle between all of them. Clemson is one of my top schools as well. That was my dream school growing up as a little kid. That was my favorite team. It was that one team that I always watched as a little kid.”
Clemson offensive line coach Matt Luke, like Teasley, has been recruiting Hiller with fervor, and their relationship has also been developing.
“It’s great, similar to Coach Teasley,” Hiller said. “Both are amazing coaches. I’ve built a great relationship with him, and I’m excited to continue to build it.”
Clemson head coach Dabo Swinney has also been working Hiller, and the two had a FaceTime discussion on Monday night. Swinney let Hiller know where he fits in with Clemson’s recruiting strategy for the 2027 class.
“Similar to everybody else, that I’m a priority guy and stuff like that,” Hiller said. “He preaches the faith and family there at Clemson and everything, so it’s just all flattering stuff.”
Hiller has yet to take in a game this season. He is planning to go to Penn State for the White Out Game on September 27th against Oregon. He has Tennessee down for November 15th when the Vols host New Mexico State. And he plans to get to games at USC and Clemson, two places he’s never been for games.
Hiller is close friends with 2027 OT Joshua Sam-Epelle, another USC target. The two met on a recruiting visit to Columbia and have been tight ever since. They are discussing making their commitment announcements on the same day, though, according to Hiller, that does not mean they are locked in to going to the same school.