Rising Star Tory Horton: A Journey Through College Football
In the 2019 football season, Nevada made headlines by defeating Fresno State. Under the direction of third-year head coach Jay Norvell, the team's prospects seemed bright. This season was particularly memorable as it marked the beginning of Tory Horton's ascent in college football, a journey that has since captivated fans and analysts alike.
Coming from a talented 7-on-7 team named No Zone, Horton played alongside future Division I receivers like Xavier Worthy, Jalen McMillan, Jeremiah Hunter, and Mac Dalena. His early talent caught the eye of Nevada, which offered him his first scholarship from an FBS program, a significant step for Horton, who had previously only received opportunities from Big Sky schools like Montana and Northern Colorado.
Mike Ware, Horton’s Fresno-based 7-on-7 coach, remarked, "We had all those receivers on No Zone, and now they're doing the same, if not better, at the next level." His words ring true as Horton, a three-star prospect since February 2019 according to 247Sports, has only continued to rise in the ranks.
In 2022, when Norvell was hired by Colorado State, he took Horton with him, a testament to the faith he had in the young receiver's abilities. Horton did not disappoint. In the 2022 season, he caught 71 passes for 1,131 yards and eight touchdowns, solidifying his reputation as a formidable presence on the field.
Stepping Up
The 2023 season saw Horton elevate his game even further, recording 96 receptions for 1,136 yards and eight touchdowns. These impressive stats showcased his consistency and growth, drawing even more attention to his potential future in the NFL. However, in a move that speaks volumes about his character, Horton chose to return to Colorado State for one final season despite having options to declare for the NFL Draft or transfer via the portal. "He's a loyal kid and comes from a loyal family," said Chad Savage, a graduate assistant at Colorado State.
Nevada’s loyalty to Horton was thus reciprocated, and Horton continued to shine. In a game against Colorado, he had an electrifying 78-yard punt return for a touchdown and a team-high 65 yards receiving before an injury sidelined him. Despite this setback, head coach Jay Norvell remains optimistic about Horton's return. "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 said.
A Final Season
As Horton prepares for his final season at Colorado State, his achievements already speak volumes. He is a two-time All-Mountain West first-team selection and had a career-high 16 catches for 133 yards and a touchdown in last year’s overtime loss to Colorado. The anticipation builds as Colorado State will host Colorado for the first time since 1996, a game that promises to be a thrilling chapter in Horton's storied college career.
With one final season left, the football community eagerly watches to see how Horton’s journey will culminate. His story, marked by loyalty, growth, and undeniable talent, is a testament to the dedication and perseverance that define a true athlete.
As he prepares to take the field yet again, Horton's legacy at Colorado State is already secure. But for those who have followed his journey from Nevada to Colorado State, there is a sense of excitement about what his final season and beyond may hold. The young receiver who once dazzled with a single catch for 54 yards during a CIF-Central Section playoff game has now become a central figure in college football, and his future looks incredibly promising.