Nevada's 2019 football season was a pivotal moment for many, especially head coach Jay Norvell. In his third year, Norvell led the team to some significant victories, including a notable win against Fresno State. But perhaps one of the most noteworthy stories from that season is the emergence of wide receiver Tory Horton.
Horton's journey is emblematic of the dedication and resilience required to succeed in college football. During a CIF-Central Section playoff game, Horton caught the attention of Eric Scott with a remarkable 54-yard reception. This performance eventually led to Nevada extending him his first scholarship offer from an FBS program. Prior to this, his only offers had come from Big Sky schools, Montana and Northern Colorado.
Rising through the Ranks
From an early stage, Horton's potential was recognized. By February 2019, he was rated as a three-star prospect by 247Sports. Horton's skills were honed further with the No Zone 7-on-7 team, a group of talented athletes which included future Division I stars like Xavier Worthy, Jalen McMillan, Jeremiah Hunter, and Mac Dalena. "We had all those receivers on No Zone, and now they're doing the same, if not better, at the next level," said Mike Ware, Horton’s Fresno-based 7-on-7 coach.
In 2022, when Jay Norvell moved to Colorado State, he took Horton with him. The transition proved fruitful for Horton. In his first season at Colorado State, he caught 71 passes for 1,131 yards and scored eight touchdowns. The following year, Horton surpassed his receptions with 96 catches for 1,136 yards and the same number of touchdowns.
Season of Triumph and Trials
This consistency underscored Horton's reliability and skill on the field, earning him two consecutive selections to the All-Mountain West first-team. Chad Savage, a graduate assistant, highlighted Horton’s loyalty and character: "He's a loyal kid and comes from a loyal family."
Despite Horton's on-field success, the 2023 season brought its own set of challenges. A standout moment came with Horton's electrifying 78-yard punt return for a touchdown, coupled with a team-high 65 yards receiving, before an injury sidelined him. Jay Norvell expressed his optimism about Horton’s recovery: "Tory is sore but I think he's going to be available to play, so we'll see how he progresses over the week."
Looking Forward
Horton’s decision to return to Colorado State for one final season, foregoing the NFL Draft or the transfer portal, illustrates his commitment to his team and personal growth. After achieving a career-high 16 catches for 133 yards and a touchdown in an overtime loss to Colorado the previous year, Horton is determined to lead Colorado State to new heights.
The upcoming match, where Colorado State will host Colorado for the first time since 1996, marks a significant moment for Horton and his team. For fans and analysts, all eyes will be on Horton to see if he can continue to deliver the same electrifying performances that have defined his collegiate career.
Horton’s story is not just one of personal achievement, but also an inspiring narrative of loyalty, hard work, and the relentless pursuit of excellence. As he gears up for his final season, his journey offers a testament to what can be achieved with dedication and the right support system. The coming months will undoubtedly be a compelling chapter in the career of this talented wide receiver.