Nevada's Impressive Transformation Under Jay Norvell
The 2019 football season was a notable one for Nevada. Under the leadership of third-year head coach Jay Norvell, the team clinched a significant victory against Fresno State, signaling a promising trajectory for the program. Among the distinguished players emerging during Norvell's tenure was Tory Horton, a wide receiver who has since become a pivotal talent in college football.
From High School Prospect to College Star
Horton's journey to prominence began in high school, where he played a pivotal role during a CIF-Central Section playoff game. His lone reception—a dazzling 54-yard catch—caught the attention of Eric Scott, leading to a scholarship offer from Nevada, his first from an FBS program. At the time, Horton was rated as a three-star prospect on 247Sports and was an integral part of the No Zone 7-on-7 team, a group brimming with future Division I talent, including receivers like Xavier Worthy, Jalen McMillan, Jeremiah Hunter, and Mac Dalena.
Despite his clear potential, Horton's collegiate opportunities were initially limited to Big Sky schools such as Montana and Northern Colorado. However, Nevada saw his potential and extended an offer that would set the stage for his future success.
Horton's Rise at Nevada and Transition to Colorado State
When Norvell transitioned to Colorado State as head coach in 2022, he brought Horton along, recognizing the wide receiver’s immense potential. Horton flourished in his new environment, recording 71 catches for 1,131 yards and eight touchdowns in the 2022 season. His performance only improved in the subsequent year, with Horton amassing 96 receptions for 1,136 yards and another eight touchdowns during the 2023 season.
Commitment and Loyalty
Despite interest from the NFL and potential opportunities to transfer, Horton chose to remain at Colorado State for one final season. This decision speaks volumes about his character and commitment. "He's a loyal kid and comes from a loyal family," remarked Chad Savage, a graduate assistant, in praise of Horton's dedication.
Upcoming Highlights and Challenges
Entering his final college season, Horton is poised for another impactful year. Colorado State will face Colorado on its home turf for the first time since 1996, a matchup eagerly anticipated by both teams and their fanbases. Horton had already demonstrated his electrifying playmaking abilities with a 78-yard punt return for a touchdown and a team-high 65 yards receiving before an injury sidelined him last week. However, head coach Jay Norvell is optimistic 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," commented Norvell.
A Record of Excellence
Horton's achievements extend beyond just stats. He is a two-time All-Mountain West first-team selection, underscoring his consistent performance and reliability on the field. A particularly standout moment in his career came during Colorado State's overtime loss to Colorado, where Horton achieved a career-high 16 catches for 133 yards and a touchdown. His continued presence will undoubtedly be a cornerstone of Colorado State’s strategy in the upcoming season.
Looking Ahead
As Horton prepares for his final collegiate season, his journey from a high school standout to a key player in college football has been nothing short of remarkable. His story is emblematic of the impact that dedicated coaching and personal commitment can have on an athlete’s career. With one more season ahead of him, Horton has the opportunity to further cement his legacy and leave an indelible mark on Colorado State’s football program.
As Mike Ware, Horton's Fresno-based 7-on-7 coach, aptly put it, "We had all those receivers on No Zone, and now they're doing the same, if not better, at the next level." Indeed, Horton's trajectory suggests that the best is yet to come.