<body><div><img src="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&amp;url=0OnPfT_0vGlr8DL00" alt="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=0OnPfT_0vGlr8DL00" width="1200" height="628" >Sophomore safety <a href="https://247sports.com/Player/bryce-thornton-46125453/">Bryce Thornton</a>, who made four starts and appeared in all 12 of Florida's games in 2023, is out for the Gators' season opener against No. 19 <a href="https://247sports.com/college/miami/">Miami</a> due to a left leg inury, sources told Swamp247.Thornton was limited throughout Florida's fall camp practices due to the ailment and was not cleared to return to action ahead of Saturday's rivalry.A three-star prospect out of Alpharetta (Ga.) Milton High School in the 2023 class, Thornton stepped into an important role in the Gators' secondary as a first-year player last year and finished the season with 34 total tackles, including 3.5 for a loss, 0.5 sacks and one pass defended."At first, it was just a lot going on coming from high school, but I had a lot of teammates that helped me out and coaches like Coach Armstrong," Thonton said in March of stepping into a high-usage job as a true freshman. "He really helped me out with the process, and just getting used to the speed and just being able to communicate with everybody. The team really helped me out with that."Florida's secondary is much better positioned to handle injuries this season relative to its depth in 2023.The Gators secured transfers from former <a href="https://247sports.com/college/washington/">Washington</a> safety <a href="https://247sports.com/Player/asa-turner-46040296/">Asa Turner</a>, former <a href="https://247sports.com/college/tulane/">Tulane</a> safety DJ Douglas and former <a href="https://247sports.com/college/oregon/">Oregon</a> hybrid defensive back <a href="https://247sports.com/Player/trikweze-bridges-46039710/">Trikweze Bridges</a>. They also returned starting safety <a href="https://247sports.com/Player/jordan-castell-46102028/">Jordan Castell</a>, who enters his sophomore season as a projected starter and sophomore <a href="https://247sports.com/Player/sharif-denson-46099009/">Sharif Denson</a>, who can play safety but is expected to see the majority of his reps at STAR.The Gators recorded just three interceptions last season, something they're looking to improve dramatically in 2024. They also allowed more deep passes than all but one FBS team."We emphasizing the ball, going to get the ball," senior corner <a href="https://247sports.com/Player/jason-marshall-46051367/">Jason Marshall</a> said. "We have this thing trying to get at least three turnovers or three picks, whatever the case may be, a practice. Implementing that into the season, you know."<a href="https://247sports.com/college/florida/">Florida</a> head coach <a href="https://247sports.com/Coach/billy-napier-241/">Billy Napier</a> has touted roster-wide improvement ahead of his critical third season atop the program."I think our football has improved," he said. "I think we have a formula that we kind of subscribe to. I think that we've improved taking care of the ball, creating takeaways. I think our fundamentals have improved. I think we have better awareness and knowledge relative to situational football. I do think that we've gotten to a point where I think we can play fast. Our height, length and speed can be a factor in the game. Be aggressive in how we play. I think we're in good condition. I think our team has gotten into football condition. Hopefully that creates opportunities for us to finish, whether that's finish plays, finish possessions or finish the game. Ultimately I think all parts of our team we've improved."</div></body>

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Florida sophomore safety Bryce Thornton out versus Miami

Sophomore safety Bryce Thornton, who made four starts and appeared in all 12 of Florida's games in 2023, is out for the Gators' season opener against No. 19 Miami due to a left leg inury, sources told Swamp247. Thornton was limited throughout Florida's fall camp practices due to the ailment...

Florida sophomore safety Bryce Thornton out versus Miami

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