First-year Florida coach Jim McElwain understands the importance of playmakers and he has taken every step possible to ensure four-star commit Derrick Dillon sticks with the Gators on National Signing Day.

Dillon, a Franklinton, La. native, was McElwain’s first visit after being named as Will Muschamp’s successor in early December, a meeting that went well according to various reports. Dillon fits into McElwain’s expected spread scheme at wide receiver and has the elusiveness to excel in the return game as well.

In recent weeks, LSU has turned it up a notch in recruiting Dillon, but the the Tigers are expected to use the U.S. Army All-American on defense and that’s not something that interests the 5-11, 189-pounder. Dillon took an official to Gainesville in October and is expected to tour LSU’s Baton Rouge campus in January.

At the prep level, Dillon saw time at quarterback, receiver and cornerback. Based on 247Sports’ individual scouting report, Dillon has elite-level quickness and athleticism — two elements the Gators missed during the Muschamp era, especially in the passing game.