Georgia 2023 DB Bryce Thornton breaks down Florida commitment

Florida’s 2023 recruiting class continued to add more defensive talent to the haul landing three-star safety Bryce Thornton on Thursday. The win on the recruiting trail looms large keeping the Milton High School standout from Georgia away from Alabama.

Thornton had a top-five of Florida, Alabama, LSU, Miami, and Georgia narrowing his focus to the Gators and Crimson Tide. With co-defensive coordinator Patrick Toney as Thornton’s lead recruiter, the developed relationships with the entire staff was a big selling point towards the commitment.

“It was really about the relationships with the whole organization at Florida,” Thornton said. “That means a lot to me. Watching them play and watching the coaches, that has made a big impact on me.”

The relationship between coach Toney and Thornton was further detailed.

“With coach Toney, as soon as he offered, he has been on me,” Thornton shared. “We have built a really strong relationship, bigger than football. That is one big thing we have.”

The Sept. 10 visit to Gainesville sealed the deal for Thornton with the Gators.

“It was after the Kentucky game,” Thornton said. "Being there in that atmosphere, seeing the fans and watching how they coach their players, and how the players are bought in, that was big for me.”

Florida’s coaching staff has known for a month that Thornton was tied to their 2023 class.

“I committed after the Kentucky game,” Thornton shared. “I committed to coach Toney. He was really happy, and then he asked if I was ready to work.”

Thornton shared his thoughts on committing to Florida.

“It was very surreal thinking I am about to go to college,” Thornton said. “I did make my dream come true. I got all the offers I wanted committing to the school I wanted. It was a great feeling.”