Full-court press, consistency puts Florida over the top for 4-star safety Bryce Thornton

Another high-profile prospect in the secondary has joined forces with the University of Florida.

Moments ago, 2023 four-star safety Bryce Thornton announced his commitment to UF. Alabama was the other finalist down the stretch, but all eyes have been on the Gators for several months.

In addition to his finalists, the Alpharetta (Ga.) Milton has collected offers from Georgia, Miami, Tennessee, LSU, Clemson, Texas, Oregon, Michigan and several others.

Earlier this week, Thornton caught up with Gators Online to break down his commitment to the Gators.

“Really, it’s the relationships I have built with the whole staff. It’s not just one person I talk to; it’s like five, six coaches. It’s just meant more like a family to me than anything and I felt like that was home to me,” Thornton told GO.

“I also like that they tell me the truth about everything, good or bad. It’s not just about football either. It’s more about life, seeing how I’m doing, and it just matters more to me that everything is not about football.”

Although convincing Thornton to team up with Florida was a group effort, it’s co-defensive coordinator Patrick Toney who speaks with the defensive back the most.

Toney extended the offer in late February and also traveled up to Milton High multiple times since the beginning of this year. That consistency was a major separator between additional schools, especially down the stretch when plenty of Power Five programs turned up the heat.

“As soon as he offered me, he said he was going to come get me. They recruited me hard from the beginning and he hasn’t stopped since. I just feel like he wanted me the most out of any school,” Thornton said of Toney.

“He thinks I am very versatile. He said I will be doing a lot of things in the defense, like nickel and safety. I can fit the scheme real well based on my abilities.”

Relocating to Gainesville is the perfect situation for Thornton

Since Billy Napier took over in Gainesville, Thornton has logged four visits to campus. This weekend’s official visit will mark his fifth visit since March, so the defensive back is well accustomed to his future living situation and eager to make that transition.

“I like that it’s a real chill place,” Thornton said. “I’m a real calm guy, so it kind of fits with me. Also, when I went around the people, they were all genuine and nice. That’s why I like being in Gainesville.”

Thornton’s loved ones relished the hospitality throughout Gainesville and campus as well.

“My mom loved it when she went down there; my little brother too,” Thornton said. “It just made me love it even more because they just connected with them and were treated real well down there. It made me feel real good.”

Billy Napier also played a pivotal role in today’s commitment

“He texts me every week. He is always keeping tabs and seeing how I did in the games, you know, talking about life and sending me Florida quotes. We talk every week,” Thornton said of Napier.

“I feel like his vision is great, especially the first year. The kids he had recruited, I feel like they bought in. The kids he is recruiting (now), we are going to take it all, especially with this great recruiting class.”

If all goes as planned, Thornton will sign in December and then relocate to Gainesville shortly after the New Year. There is a chance he attends the game vs. South Carolina on Nov. 12 as well.

There is still some relationship building to do; however, the Georgia native has already established a strong bond with Sharif Denson and is eager to play with him on the next level.

According to On3’s 2023 rankings, Thornton checks in as the No. 27 safety and No. 38 senior in Georgia.

Stay tuned to Gators Online.