The Rise of Tory Horton: From High School Standout to College Star
The journey of Tory Horton through collegiate football has been nothing short of remarkable. A young athlete with unwavering loyalty and determination, Horton has made a significant impact wherever he has played. His story begins at Nevada in 2019 and extends into a promising final season at Colorado State.
An Impressive Start at Nevada
During the 2019 football season, under the leadership of third-year head coach Jay Norvell, Nevada faced off against Fresno State and secured a victory. Among the emerging talents was Tory Horton, a three-star prospect who had caught the eye of many, including Nevada's coaching staff. Horton's journey was marked by a notable early highlight: during a CIF-Central Section playoff game attended by Eric Scott, Horton made a significant impression with a 54-yard reception.
Nevada extended a scholarship offer to Horton, his first from an FBS program, marking a pivotal moment in his career. Before this offer, Horton’s collegiate opportunities were limited to Big Sky schools such as Montana and Northern Colorado. Horton's talent was already evident as part of a formidable 7-on-7 team named No Zone, which included future Division I receivers 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," recalled Mike Ware, Horton’s Fresno-based 7-on-7 coach.
Transition to Colorado State
In 2022, when Jay Norvell was hired by Colorado State, he brought Horton along, a testament to both the coach's belief in Horton and the player’s loyalty. At Colorado State, Horton quickly became a standout performer, catching 71 passes for 1,131 yards and eight touchdowns in his first season. His performance was nothing short of electrifying and set the stage for even more significant accomplishments in the following year.
In the 2023 season, Horton continued his impressive form, recording 96 receptions for 1,136 yards and eight touchdowns. His loyalty and commitment to the Colorado State program shone brightly when he chose to return for one final season rather than declaring for 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 at Colorado State, emphasizing the character and dedication Horton brings to the field.
A Noteworthy Accomplishment and Setback
In a highly anticipated match-up, Colorado State will host Colorado for the first time since 1996. Horton will be a key player to watch, having delivered a spectacular 78-yard punt return for a touchdown and leading the team with 65 yards receiving before being sidelined by an injury last week. Despite this setback, Jay Norvell remains optimistic about Horton's recovery and availability for the game. "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, highlighting the determination Horton consistently brings to his recovery and play.
Consistency and Excellence
Horton’s consistency has been rewarded with recognition as a two-time All-Mountain West first-team selection. His performance against Colorado last year, where he achieved a career-high 16 catches for 133 yards and a touchdown in an overtime loss, solidified his reputation as a crucial player for Colorado State.
As Horton embarks on his final season, the anticipation and expectations are higher than ever. His journey from high school standout to college star is a narrative of resilience, loyalty, and unparalleled talent. With another season ahead, fans and teammates alike are eager to witness what more Tory Horton can achieve and how his legacy will continue to grow.