Bryce Thornton, coveted defensive back, commits to Florida Gators over Alabama, will enroll early

Milton High School (Florida) defensive back Bryce Thornton may only be a three-star prospect, but his offer sheet speaks to his true recruiting value.

The versatile 5-foot-10, 185-pound defender accumulated more than 20 scholarship offers during the process, highlighted by Alabama, Auburn, Clemson, Florida, Florida State, Georgia, Miami, Oregon, Tennessee, Texas and others.

But for some time, Thornton has been down to 2 - Alabama and Florida.

On Thursday afternoon, Thornton made his decision, committing to the Gators.

“I’ll be committing to he University of Florida," he said. "The reason is the relationship I have built with the coaching staff, especially coach (Patrick) Toney. It feels like home to me -  from academics to sports to life.” 

“Every time I go down it just feels like home," he continued. "Everybody talks to me, the whole staff knows me." 

Florida has seemed to be the leader for several weeks, but a September visit to Alabama provided enough intrigue to delay a decision until Thursday. 

Well, at least publicly.

Thornton actually committed to Florida during a September 10 visit against Kentucky, where he told Toney. 

“He was just happy," Thornton said. "He was just ready for me to come down and was ready for me to work.” 

So is the Georgia star, who intends to graduate early and enroll at Florida in January.

While Thornton is listed as a three-star safety prospect,t he was coveted as a versatile defensive back recruit who will likely contribute at nickel corner as well. 

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