Nevada's Rise and a Star's Journey to Colorado State
In 2019, the Nevada Wolf Pack had an eventful football season under the guidance of third-year head coach Jay Norvell. One of the highlights of the season was the team's triumph over Fresno State, marking a notable victory in the program's history. The season also marked the beginning of a significant journey for wide receiver Tory Horton.
Horton, who had shown promise as a three-star prospect on 247Sports since February 2019, was part of a talented 7-on-7 team known as No Zone. This team was a hotbed for emerging talent, boasting future Division I receivers like Xavier Worthy, Jalen McMillan, Jeremiah Hunter, and Mac Dalena. Mike Ware, Horton’s Fresno-based 7-on-7 coach, reflected on the impressive group, stating, "We had all those receivers on No Zone, and now they're doing the same, if not better, at the next level."
Despite the promising start, Horton's path to collegiate football was not without its challenges. Prior to Nevada’s involvement, his opportunities were limited to Big Sky schools Montana and Northern Colorado. However, things took a turn for the better when Nevada extended a scholarship offer to Horton, his first from an FBS program. This offer marked the beginning of Horton’s collegiate football career.
Jay Norvell recognized Horton's potential early on and played a pivotal role in his development. In 2022, when Norvell was hired by Colorado State, he brought Horton along. The move proved beneficial for both the coach and the player. At Colorado State, Horton's performance hit new heights. In the 2022 season, he caught 71 passes for 1,131 yards and eight touchdowns. The following season was even more remarkable, with Horton recording 96 receptions for 1,136 yards and eight touchdowns.
Chad Savage, a graduate assistant, praised Horton's character, saying, "He's a loyal kid and comes from a loyal family." This loyalty was evident when Horton chose to return to Colorado State for one final season, despite the allure of declaring for the NFL Draft or exploring the transfer portal.
As the 2023 season progressed, Horton continued to display his prowess on the field. In one game, he electrified fans with a 78-yard punt return for a touchdown and also led his team with 65 yards receiving before an injury sidelined him. Head coach Jay Norvell provided an update on his condition, expressing optimism 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."
Horton's contributions have not gone unnoticed. He is a two-time All-Mountain West first-team selection and achieved a career-high performance last year with 16 catches for 133 yards and a touchdown in an overtime loss to Colorado. His decision to return for another season means that Colorado State fans can look forward to witnessing more of Horton's extraordinary talent.
This season is particularly special as Colorado State will host Colorado for the first time since 1996, adding another layer of excitement to Horton's final collegiate campaign. Horton's journey from a promising high school prospect to a collegiate star showcases his dedication, skill, and the impact of supportive mentors like Jay Norvell and the No Zone coaching staff.
As Horton prepares for his final season at Colorado State, his story continues to inspire young athletes and stands as a testament to the importance of perseverance, loyalty, and seizing opportunities when they arise. The football community will undoubtedly be watching closely as Tory Horton aims to leave an indelible mark on the field in his last collegiate year.