Gators are trending heavily ahead of commitment date for 4-star DB Bryce Thornton
One of the Gators’ top defensive targets is nearing the recruiting finish line.
Bryce Thornton, a four-star safety from Alpharetta (Ga.) Milton, says he is making his decision on Oct. 13. He has been planning to pull himself off the market next month, but now there is a date.
Florida and Alabama are the finalists in Thornton’s recruitment; however, all signs are pointing to the Gators winning out. I submitted a pick several weeks ago and the On3 Recruiting Prediction Machine favors Florida with odds of nearly 91 percent.
“Florida’s always been high for me. They’re still up there for me,” Thornton recently told Gators Online. “The coaching staff, I feel like they’re a big family. That’s just real big on me.”
This past Saturday, the 2023 prospect returned to the Swamp for another up-close look at the program. It marked his fifth UF visit of the calendar year, but it was also the first time experiencing a game inside Ben Hill Griffin Stadium.
“It was great just seeing the atmosphere for the first time, all the fans and just watching coach coach all the players. I really enjoyed it,” Thornton said on Saturday.
As for his official visit, itinerary is on the calendar for Oct. 21, which is Florida’s bye week. It would not surprise me though if the Gators decide to rebook the trip for the LSU game seven days prior.
When it comes to the Crimson Tide, Thornton is certainly well thought of in Tuscaloosa. He also had a strong camp session at Alabama over the summer; however, the Crimson Tide already holds commitments from three safeties, including five-star prospects Caleb Downs and Tony Mitchell. Thornton is likely next in line if any of those prospects change their mind.
Also, according to On3’s Chad Simmons, Thornton has rescheduled his Alabama official visit for later this month. He initially planned to make it back to campus on Oct. 8.
Georgia, LSU, Miami, Texas, Oregon, Auburn and Michigan are some additional offers on the table for Thornton.
Stay tuned to Gators Online.
