Nevada's Victory Over Fresno State and the Emergence of a Star
In the 2019 football season, the Nevada Wolf Pack, led by head coach Jay Norvell in his third year, achieved a significant victory against Fresno State. This season marked the rise of Tory Horton, a promising young talent who had recently captured the attention of the college football world.
Horton's journey to prominence began in the CIF-Central Section playoff game, where he made an unforgettable impression with a 54-yard catch. Eric Scott, among the spectators, witnessed this remarkable play firsthand. Recognizing Horton's latent potential, Nevada extended him a scholarship offer. It was Horton's first from an FBS program, a turning point for the three-star prospect who had been rated on 247Sports since February 2019.
A Part of 'No Zone'
Horton was not just an isolated talent. As a member of a gifted 7-on-7 team named No Zone, he honed his skills alongside future Division I receivers like Xavier Worthy, Jalen McMillan, Jeremiah Hunter, and Mac Dalena. Mike Ware, Horton’s Fresno-based 7-on-7 coach, proudly reflected on the team’s collective success, stating, "We had all those receivers on No Zone, and now they're doing the same, if not better, at the next level."
Before Nevada's offer, Horton's college prospects were limited to Big Sky schools like Montana and Northern Colorado. However, this initial interest from Nevada catalyzed his ascending career. When Norvell transitioned to Colorado State in 2022, he took Horton along, setting the stage for even greater accomplishments.
Soaring with the Rams
Horton's first season at Colorado State was nothing short of spectacular. He amassed 71 receptions for 1,131 yards and eight touchdowns. The following year saw Horton surpass his previous performance with 96 receptions, 1,136 yards, and another eight touchdowns. His decision to return to Colorado State for one final season, rather than declaring for the NFL Draft or entering the transfer portal, underscored his dedication and loyalty.
Chad Savage, a graduate assistant, offered insight into Horton's character: "He's a loyal kid and comes from a loyal family." This loyalty was further tested in the 2023 season when Horton showcased his versatility and determination. An electrifying 78-yard punt return for a touchdown complemented his team-high 65 yards receiving before an injury sidelined him. "Tory is sore but I think he's going to be available to play, so we'll see how he progresses over the week," noted Norvell.
Facing a Crucial Game
The upcoming season holds significant promise and challenges for Horton and Colorado State. The Rams are slated to host Colorado for the first time since 1996, a game eagerly anticipated by players and fans alike. As a two-time All-Mountain West first-team selection, Horton is expected to play a crucial role. Reflecting on last year’s overtime loss to Colorado where he achieved a career-high 16 catches for 133 yards and a touchdown, the stakes are undoubtedly high for his final season at Colorado State.
Horton's journey from a potential collegiate player with limited offers to a key figure for Colorado State is a testament to his hard work, resilience, and the unwavering support of his coaches and family. His final season stands as a capstone to his collegiate career, with expectations of further thrilling performances that will potentially pave the way for his professional aspirations.
Indeed, Tory Horton's trajectory in college football serves as an inspiring narrative for young athletes everywhere, exemplifying how talent, opportunity, and loyalty can converge to create a standout career in the competitive world of sports.