5-star commit Maxwell Hiller could test Jon Sumrall's ability to retain top recruits

Maxwell Hiller was the first big commitment for the Florida Gators under Jon Sumrall. And since making his pledge in April, the 5-star offensive lineman has been solid and worked to help the staff build a top-10 class.

But recruiting is never done, not until the ink dries on the letter of intent in December, and there's no reason to think that some of the other programs that were in pursuit of Hiller would immediately stop contacting him once he committed to the Gators.

So, when Hiller told Rivals' Corey Bender that he might take a couple of visits to competing SEC programs, it may have surprised some fans and left a pit in the stomach of others. But there probably isn't much to worry about and, if anything, this will keep Sumrall and the staff on their toes.

READ MORE: Jon Sumrall makes first 5-star Florida splash with new commit fans were begging for

Maxwell Hiller hints at some potential visits elsewhere this fall

Hiller, the top-rated interior offensive lineman in the 2027 class, has previously said that Tennessee was one of the other teams he was seriously considering before his Florida commitment, so it's no surprise that the Volunteers were mentioned as a potential stop. LSU is another school that has also been mentioned.

Neither the Tigers nor the Vols appear on the Gators' schedule this year, so he'll have to go to their respective campuses to see them. It's uncertain which Florida games Hiller will attend this season, but it's expected he'll be in the Swamp a couple of times.

That's why this shouldn't be much of a concern to Gator fans. Hiller has an amazing relationship with Sumrall and offensive line coach Phil Trautwein. His connection with Trautwein goes back a few years and if the former Gator offensive lineman was still coaching at Penn State, there's a good chance Hiller would have stayed home to play for the Nittany Lions.

But Hiller holds Trautwein in such high regard that he was willing to follow him to Gainesville and his desire to develop under the 40-year-old's tutelage has not waned. 

READ MORE: 5-star Maxwell Hiller sends emphatic message to Florida fans on his future goals

However, this should be a welcome test of Sumrall's process and ability to hold on to a top recruit. Given how aggressive and energetic the Gators coach has been on the trail, it's not likely that he's going to let up in his recruitment of Hiller. Sumrall knows the lineman is committed, but he also knows the job is far from finished until he signs. 

Tennessee is on a recruiting hot streak right now. The Vols recently received a pledge from 5-star running back David Gabriel Georges and have become a threat to flip 5-star edge rusher DJ Jacobs from Ohio State. So, Josh Heupel and his staff are feeling good. But Hiller, for his part, went to social media to reaffirm his commitment to the Gators. That's where it stands now and there's no reason to think that will change. 

Add us as a preferred source on Google

Follow