Nevada's Triumph and Tory Horton's Journey: A Tale of Loyalty and Talent
The 2019 football season was pivotal for Nevada, with the team achieving a commendable victory over Fresno State. This win was under the leadership of Jay Norvell, then in his third year as head coach. Among the talented players emerging from that season was Tory Horton, whose performance would soon catch the eye of significant collegiate programs.
Horton's path to prominence began with his impactful play during a CIF-Central Section playoff game, where he made a stunning 54-yard reception. This game was attended by Eric Scott, resulting in Nevada extending a scholarship offer, Horton's first from an FBS program. Prior to this, his potential was primarily recognized by Big Sky schools like Montana and Northern Colorado.
By February 2019, Horton had already been classified as a three-star prospect by 247Sports, reflecting his growing reputation. He honed his skills as part of the No Zone 7-on-7 team, which included other future Division I receivers such as 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, highlighting the caliber of talent in the squad.
In 2022, Jay Norvell moved to Colorado State and brought Horton with him. The partnership proved fruitful as Horton recorded a stellar season with 71 catches for 1,131 yards and eight touchdowns. His performance only improved in 2023, with 96 receptions for 1,136 yards and eight touchdowns, demonstrating his consistency and growth.
Choosing Loyalty Over the Draft
Despite his impressive stats, Horton opted to return to Colorado State for one more season rather than declaring for the NFL Draft or entering the transfer portal. "He's a loyal kid and comes from a loyal family," noted Chad Savage, a graduate assistant, emphasizing the values that guided Horton's decision.
Horton's loyalty to Colorado State is set to be rewarded as he prepares for the upcoming season. He is expected to play a pivotal role when Colorado State hosts Colorado for the first time since 1996. His loyalty and dedication are further exemplified by his recent performance – an electrifying 78-yard punt return for a touchdown and a team-high 65 yards receiving before an injury sidelined him 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," assured Norvell, expressing confidence in Horton's recovery and readiness.
Looking Back at Legacy and Forward to Opportunity
Horton's tenure at Colorado State has been nothing short of remarkable. He is a two-time All-Mountain West first-team selection, a testament to his impact and skill. One of his career highlights was a game against Colorado, where he achieved a career-high 16 catches for 133 yards and a touchdown, though the team faced an overtime loss. This level of performance underscores why Horton’s final season is highly anticipated by fans and scouts alike.
Tory Horton's journey from a promising three-star recruit to a consistently dominant receiver at Colorado State is a story of talent, loyalty, and perseverance. As he enters his final season, all eyes will be on Horton to see how he caps off a distinguished college career and prepares for future opportunities in professional football.