Nevada's Success and Colorado State's Rising Star: The Journey of Tory Horton
In the 2019 football season, Nevada showcased a promising lineup under the leadership of third-year head coach Jay Norvell. Among the notable victories, the triumph over Fresno State stood out, highlighting the team's competitive spirit and tactical prowess. This season also marked the beginning of a significant chapter for a rising star, Tory Horton.
Tory Horton, who had been a three-star prospect on 247Sports since February 2019, garnered attention during a CIF-Central Section playoff game. His performance, including one catch for 54 yards, caught the eye of Eric Scott. It wasn’t long before Nevada extended a scholarship offer to Horton, marking his first offer from an FBS program. Before this offer, Horton's collegiate opportunities were limited to Big Sky schools Montana and Northern Colorado.
Horton’s Early Development
Horton’s development can be traced back to his time with the No Zone 7-on-7 team, a fiercely talented group featuring future Division I receivers such as Xavier Worthy, Jalen McMillan, Jeremiah Hunter, and Mac Dalena. Mike Ware, Horton’s Fresno-based 7-on-7 coach, reflected on the talent in No Zone: "We had all those receivers on No Zone, and now they're doing the same, if not better, at the next level."
The move from Nevada to Colorado State in 2022 was pivotal for both Horton and Norvell. Norvell, having been hired as the head coach at Colorado State, took Horton along with him. This move proved to be a masterstroke for Colorado State’s offense.
Electrifying Performance at Colorado State
In the 2022 season, Horton established himself as a key player for Colorado State, catching 71 passes for 1,131 yards and eight touchdowns. His remarkable performance continued into the 2023 season, where he recorded 96 receptions for 1,136 yards and eight touchdowns. Demonstrating his loyalty and faith in the program, Horton chose to return to Colorado State for one final season, foregoing the potential for entering the NFL Draft or transferring via the portal. "He's a loyal kid and comes from a loyal family," noted Chad Savage, a graduate assistant, underscoring Horton’s character.
This decision was vindicated as Horton again proved to be an invaluable asset for the team. His contributions this season included a sensational 78-yard punt return for a touchdown and a team-high 65 yards receiving before an injury last week. "Tory is sore but I think he's going to be available to play, so we'll see how he progresses over the week," Norvell commented, indicating a hopeful outlook for Horton's recovery.
A Resilient Competitor
A two-time All-Mountain West first-team selection, Horton's influence on the field is undeniable. His exceptional performance in last year’s overtime loss to Colorado, where he achieved a career-high 16 catches for 133 yards and a touchdown, only solidifies his status as a standout player. With one final season left at Colorado State, Horton is poised to make a lasting impact.
This season holds a special significance as Colorado State prepares to host Colorado for the first time since 1996. With Horton on the roster, fans are eager to see how one of their most electric players will shape the game and potentially lead the Rams to a historic victory. His dynamic presence and resilience are a testament to the journey of an athlete who has navigated challenges and seized every opportunity, making him a player to watch in the collegiate football scene.