Bryce Lovett, Rockledge 3-star offensive tackle, commits to Florida Gators

Rockledge three-star offensive tackle Bryce Lovett chose Florida over Iowa State, Louisville and Missouri

It's not easy for high school football prospects in Florida to leave the state when the "Big 3" - Florida, Florida State and Miami (Fla.) - come calling.

But for Rockledge High School three-star offensive tackle Bryce Lovett, the opposite was true.

Until he got on campus at the University of Florida and experienced the changes under the new coaching staff, led by head coach Billy Napier. 

"Honestly, I wanted to get out of Florida for college, but how I felt about the Gators, I can't turn that down," Lovett said. "That's where I want to be." 

On Monday, the 6-foot-5, 330-pound tackle announced his commitment to Florida over fellow finalists Iowa State, Louisville and Missouri. 

1000% locked in 💫🐊 @CoachYounger14 @JonSantucci @321preps @Jacob_Rudner @AndrewNemec @coach_bnapier @CoachRobSale pic.twitter.com/shruYkNaES

— bryce5️⃣3️⃣ (@bryceLovett55) May 16, 2022

"I'm going to Florida just because I feel most comfortable there," he said. "I like everything they've got going on. I love the new coaching staff, I love how they run things and I love what they are doing for the players on and off the field. I just feel at home there."

That wasn't always the case.

Lovett had visited Florida previously during the recruitment of his older brother, Missouri defensive lineman Zach Lovett, but feels there's a new vibe in Gainesville these days. 

 "My brother was recruited there and I've been to camps with the old coaching staff," he explained. "I saw what it was like with the old coaching staff compared to now, and it just seems like a much better energy. The players are enjoying it more. They are not just there to play football. It seems like they are enjoying their experience more. I've talked to the players and I've never heard a bad thing about the coaching staff." 

Hoping to arrive as soon as possible, Lovett has upped his academic requirements to ensure he can graduate in time to enroll early.  

"That's the plan right now," he said. "I'm in online classes to make sure I get all of my credits done." 

Lovett is Florida's fifth commitment in the class of 2023, joining Trinity Christian School (Georgia) four-star athlete Aaron Gates, IMG Academy four-star offensive lineman Knijeah Harris, F.W. Buchholz four-star athlete Creed Whittemore and Eustis three-star wide receiver Tyree Patterson.

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