The Florida Gators continued their aggressive week of offers to several prospects in the state of Georgia on Wednesday when they offered a defensive back.
Safety Bryce Thornton (5-10, 185, Alpharetta, GA. Milton) picked up an offer from Florida after he talked to two assistant coaches.
“Coach [Patrick] Toney and Coach William [Peagler],” Thornton said on the coaches from Florida who offered him on Wednesday. “They basically said that they like my versatility, ball skills and how I’m aggressive in tackling.”
Thornton was excited to hear the news that the Gators were offering him because he grew up watching Florida.
“That offer meant a lot,” he said on what the offer means to him. “I’ve always liked Florida since I was a child. The offer meant a lot to me.”
Defensive coordinator Patrick Toney explained to Thornton just how he would fit into the defense in Gainesville if he picked Florida.
“He told me he would like to see me at the nickel position,” Thornton said on where Toney wants him to play. “He was asking me if I like playing man and that stuff there. I think I fit that well because I can play anywhere on the field.”
Thornton admits that the Gators have jumped up in his recruitment because of Florida’s history at the defensive back position.
“Yes, for sure,” he said on if Florida is high on his list after the offer. “They put the defensive backs out, like CJ Henderson, he was one of my favorite players when he was there. Just the defensive scheme of Florida.”
Three other SEC schools are recruiting Thornton hard but he’s trying to set up a visit to Gainesville this spring.
“Georgia, Texas and Tennessee,” Thornton said on who else is recruiting him hard. “Right now, I only have a visit to Alabama on March 5th but I have to talk to my mom about visiting Florida and other schools.”