The Rise of Tory Horton: A Journey Through Grit and Glory
Nevada's 2019 football season was a memorable one, marked by their victory over Fresno State. This triumph was under the guidance of Jay Norvell, who was in his third year as the head coach. Among the noteworthy stories from that season was the emerging talent of Tory Horton, an athlete whose journey to prominence began much earlier.
In a CIF-Central Section playoff game witnessed by Eric Scott, Horton made an impression with a single yet significant catch for 54 yards. That performance paved the way for Nevada to extend a scholarship offer to Horton, marking his first opportunity from an FBS program. Before this, his college prospects were limited to Big Sky schools such as Montana and Northern Colorado.
Horton's talent was not unnoticed in the scouting community. By February 2019, he was already recognized as a three-star prospect on 247Sports. Additionally, his participation in the elite 7-on-7 team, No Zone, further highlighted his potential. This team was a breeding ground for future Division I receivers 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," remarked Mike Ware, Horton’s 7-on-7 coach from Fresno.
As Jay Norvell moved on to become the head coach at Colorado State in 2022, he brought Horton along with him. It was a decision that paid off handsomely for both the player and the program. In the 2022 season, Horton caught 71 passes for 1,131 yards and eight touchdowns. Showing remarkable consistency, he followed that up with 96 receptions for 1,136 yards and another eight touchdowns in the 2023 season.
Despite his impressive stats, Horton chose to return to Colorado State for one final season, foregoing the opportunity to declare for the NFL Draft or enter the transfer portal. His commitment to the Rams was deeply noted by those around him. "He's a loyal kid and comes from a loyal family," said Chad Savage, a graduate assistant, highlighting Horton's character.
This season, Colorado State is set to host Colorado for the first time since 1996, and all eyes are on Horton. Recently, he showcased his versatility with an electrifying 78-yard punt return for a touchdown and a team-high 65 yards receiving before an injury sidelined him. Coach Jay Norvell remains optimistic about his 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," Norvell stated.
Horton's accolades are well-earned. He is a two-time All-Mountain West first-team selection and has continually proven his worth on the field. His career-high performance came in last season’s overtime loss to Colorado, where he achieved 16 catches for 133 yards and a touchdown. Such achievements are a testament to his dedication and skill, as he prepares for his final season at Colorado State.
Horton’s journey from a promising high school talent to a key player for Colorado State underscores the importance of perseverance, loyalty, and hard work in achieving athletic success. His story is not just about the numbers but also about the relationships and decisions that define an athlete’s career. As he steps onto the field for one last collegiate season, both fans and scouts will be eagerly watching to see what heights he can reach next.