Tory Horton’s Journey from 7-on-7 Standout to Collegiate Star
Nevada's 2019 football season saw excitement and triumph, notably their victory over Fresno State. Leading the team was third-year head coach Jay Norvell. This season laid the groundwork for one of the team's promising talents—Tory Horton.
During a CIF-Central Section playoff game, Horton caught the eye of Eric Scott with a remarkable 54-yard reception. This performance earned Horton his first scholarship offer from an FBS program—Nevada. Up until then, the three-star prospect on 247Sports had been courted only by Big Sky schools Montana and Northern Colorado. Horton’s rise in the football world had officially begun.
From No Zone to Nevada
Horton honed his skills as part of a talented 7-on-7 team known as No Zone. This squad featured 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," noted Mike Ware, Horton’s Fresno-based 7-on-7 coach. This statement highlights the competitive environment that shaped Horton and his peers, pushing them to excel in their collegiate careers.
Upon receiving the scholarship offer from Nevada, Horton joined Jay Norvell’s team. When Coach Norvell moved to Colorado State in 2022, he brought Horton along. The decision proved to be a fruitful one for both the player and the coach.
A Breakout Star at Colorado State
At Colorado State, Horton’s performance soared. In the 2022 season, he caught 71 passes for 1,131 yards and eight touchdowns. His impressive stats didn’t stop there. The 2023 season saw Horton recording 96 receptions for 1,136 yards and eight touchdowns, showcasing his consistency and growth as a receiver. Horton was a key playmaker for Colorado State, delivering standout performances, including an electrifying 78-yard punt return for a touchdown in a recent game, despite being sidelined later due to injury.
Horton’s efforts have not gone unnoticed. He has been a two-time All-Mountain West first-team selection, a testament to his skill and dedication on the field. His loyalty to the team and determination to succeed are vividly illustrated by Chad Savage, a graduate assistant, who remarked, "He's a loyal kid and comes from a loyal family."
Deciding to Stay
As the end of the 2023 season approached, Horton faced critical career decisions. Despite having the option to declare for the NFL Draft or transfer via the portal, he chose to return to Colorado State for one final season. This decision reflects his commitment to the team and his aspirations to leave an even greater legacy in college football.
Coach Norvell has expressed confidence in Horton’s resilience and readiness, despite recent setbacks. "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 Horton's potential comeback.
Looking Forward
Horton’s influence and performance will be pivotal as Colorado State prepares to host Colorado for the first time since 1996. His ability to make game-changing plays has already been demonstrated, such as in last year’s overtime loss to Colorado where he achieved a career-high 16 catches for 133 yards and a touchdown.
With one final season left at Colorado State, Horton aims to build on his already impressive career, leaving a lasting impact on the program. As he prepares to take the field again, fans and teammates alike eagerly anticipate the contributions of this dynamic and loyal receiver who has continually proven his mettle in the collegiate football arena.