Prospects from five different states visited Florida this weekend including athlete Derrick Dillon (5-11, 175, Franklinton, LA Pine), who made the long journey from Louisiana. Once in Gainesville, Florida’s coaching staff made Dillon feel the trip was well worth the effort.
“My trip to Florida was good they were treating me like family down here,” Dillon said. “I got here on Friday and I’m leaving tonight. I was expecting a lot out of this visit and Florida really delivered a good time for me and my family. Everyone was real welcoming.”
The highlight of the trip for Dillon was seeing how much faster collegiate practice is compared to a high school.
“I liked the practice a lot and they threw the ball a lot out there,” Dillon said. “Florida was real up-tempo out there and fast pace with a lot of energy from everybody. The intensity was strong out there.”
Florida is recruiting Dillon as a receiver so he paid close attention to Joker Phillips, who coaches that position for the Gators.
“I really liked Coach Phillips he knows his stuff when it comes to football,” Dillon said. “His coaching technique is something that could help me out because he’s real hands on with his receiver and he shows you ways to get better.”
It’s no secret that Florida’s offense has been below average the last three years, but Dillon was impressed with what he saw from the up-tempo, shotgun offense that coordinator Kurt Roper is installing.
“The offense down there is great they are going to throw the ball a lot,” Dillon said. “Florida has the kind of offense that I’m looking for in a school because I want to play slot receiver and get the ball thrown to me in college.”
Dillon and his family had an opportunity to talk to head coach Will Muschamp about how he would fit in with the Gators if he decided Florida is the place to play college football.
“I talked to Coach Muschamp before I left my visit and he was glad that I came down,” Dillon said. “He told me that he wanted me to be a part of his team at Florida. He said that he would love to be able to get the ball in my hands at the slot in the future.”
Dillon will start to make the long trek back to Louisiana on Saturday evening but he plans to make a pit stop in Tallahassee on his way home and hopes to return back to Gainesville this fall.
“Florida is standing out a little bit right now but I’m pretty open,” Dillon said. “I want to go visit Florida State and see what they have to offer next and also want to get back down to Florida for a game this fall.”