Nevada's 2019 Season and the Rise of Tory Horton
The 2019 football season was a memorable one for Nevada, marked by notable performances, including a significant victory over Fresno State. That year, Nevada was under the third-year leadership of head coach Jay Norvell, who played a pivotal role in shaping the team’s future successes.
Among the rising stars during this season was Tory Horton, whose football journey took a significant turn after Norvell extended him a scholarship offer—his first from an FBS program. Horton, a three-star prospect on 247Sports since February 2019, showed great potential and caught the attention of many.
Horton's Early Days and Talent Recognition
Horton grabbed headlines with a single catch for 54 yards during a CIF-Central Section playoff game, an event attended by Eric Scott. Before his time with Nevada, Horton showcased his talents on a 7-on-7 team called No Zone. This team was renowned for its roster, which included 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, shedding light on the competitive environment that honed his skills.
Building a College Career
Before the offer from Nevada, Horton had only garnered interest from Big Sky schools Montana and Northern Colorado. This changed under the guidance of Norvell, which led to growth and greater opportunities. When Norvell transitioned to Colorado State in 2022, he brought Horton along, a decision that would prove fruitful for both.
During the 2022 season at Colorado State, Horton caught 71 passes for 1,131 yards and eight touchdowns. His performance only improved the following season, where he posted 96 receptions for 1,136 yards and the same number of touchdowns, cementing himself as a key player for the team.
Horton’s Impact and Future Prospects
In 2023, Horton had a remarkable return to Colorado State, where he opted to play one final season instead of declaring for the NFL Draft or transferring via the portal. His resilience and loyalty did not go unnoticed, as Chad Savage, a graduate assistant, emphasized, "He's a loyal kid and comes from a loyal family."
Colorado State, under Norvell's guidance, is set to host Colorado for the first time since 1996—a game with significant anticipation. Horton’s influence on the field has been commendable, highlighted by a sensational 78-yard punt return for a touchdown and a team-high 65 yards receiving before an untimely injury sidelined him last week.
"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 mentioned, hinting at the eagerness and determination Horton brings to the team.
Accolades and Legacy
Horton’s career at Colorado State includes being a two-time All-Mountain West first-team selection. In one memorable game last year, despite an overtime loss to Colorado, he achieved a career-high 16 catches for 133 yards and a touchdown. Such performances have solidified his reputation as a reliable and exceptional receiver.
With one final season left at Colorado State, Horton aims to continue making significant strides, both for himself and his team. As he prepares for the upcoming matches and gears up post-injury, the football community eagerly watches to see the next chapter in his promising career.
Horton has not just been a player of statistics but a symbol of loyalty and perseverance, attributes that have undoubtedly contributed to his accomplishments and will continue to shape his future in football.