OT Maxwell Hiller (6-6 300) of Coatesville, PA, was just named a First Team All-American by The Sporting News (as was South Carolina signee OG Darius Gray). He remains a primary target for both USC and Clemson.
The Gamecocks, however, have a new offensive line coach in Randy Clements. He replaced Lonnie Teasley, who was fired midway through the season. It was Teasley who had done the bulk of the recruiting of Hiller over the years for the Gamecocks. Now, Hiller has to kind of start over with Clements, and the two have been in contact.
Does the change in OL coaches affect how Hiller feels about the Gamecocks?
“A little bit, yes,” Hiller said. “I had really good relationships with everybody at South Carolina. Obviously, I still have a really good relationship with everybody at South Carolina. I still feel the same about South Carolina, it’s just that I have to build these relationships back up with these new coaches and the new staff members.”
Hiller said as of last week, he and Clement had not talked about how to jump-start their relationship, but they had exchanged some text messages.
“We haven’t really gotten in-depth about that. I’m going to try to get back down to South Carolina, and we’re going to talk in person,” Hiller said. “I’m pretty unfamiliar with a couple of the new guys, but I’m definitely willing to build bonds and relationships with them and see where it goes.”
Hiller has had South Carolina among his favorites, along with Clemson, Penn State, Maryland, Ohio State, Georgia, Tennessee, and Alabama.
“South Carolina is definitely amongst the top of my schools,” Hiller said. “I wouldn’t say it’s the top school, but it’s definitely up there because of the amount of times I’ve been there, and how comfortable I feel down there and welcomed every time I go back.”
Clemson offensive line coach Matt Luke had Hiller in for a visit last summer, and they have continued to build their relationship, which has the Tigers in the hunt as well.
“I just like the culture that they’ve built there,” he said. “Coach Luke, you can see in his track record all the guys he’s put in the league. Clemson has put a ton of guys in the NFL. They are the most winning program in like the past 16 years, I think. It all speaks for itself.”
Hiller plans to hit the trail in the spring to visit some of his favorites. He definitely wants to get to Oregon, which he’s never visited, and to Florida, because of the new coaching staff. He also said South Carolina, Maryland, and Alabama are possible for return visits. He was at USC for the Clemson game. He will take his official visits later and make his decision after that.
One other aspect of Hiller’s recruitment involves his younger brother Colton. He’s a major basketball recruit in the 2028 class, and some of the same schools loving Maxwell are clamoring for his brother as well.
“We’ve talked about going to the same school, and that would be awesome if we do, but we’re not going to force anything,” Hiller said. “We’re just going to let it play out. If we end up at the same school, that would be awesome. If not, it is what it is.”
The offers for Colton include Notre Dame, Indiana, UCLA, Alabama, NC State, Louisville, Missouri, Penn State, Syracuse, and Kansas State.