Jay Norvell's Tenure and Tory Horton's Rise: A Journey Through College Football
In 2019, under the guidance of third-year head coach Jay Norvell, Nevada's football team faced Fresno State and emerged victorious, marking a significant moment in the season. One of the standout stories from that era was the development of wide receiver Tory Horton, whose path to success is a testament to talent, loyalty, and perseverance.
Horton caught the attention of college recruiters during a CIF-Central Section playoff game where he made a remarkable 54-yard catch with Eric Scott in attendance. Despite his undeniable potential, Horton had limited collegiate opportunities, with only Big Sky schools Montana and Northern Colorado expressing interest. However, Nevada recognized his talent early on, extending him his first scholarship offer from an FBS program.
Rising Through the Ranks
Horton's football journey began to flourish while playing on the Fresno-based 7-on-7 team called No Zone. This team was rich in future Division I talent, boasting members 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," said No Zone coach Mike Ware, highlighting the exceptional talent pool Horton was part of.
By February 2019, Horton had earned a three-star prospect rating on 247Sports, solidifying his place among highly-touted recruits. His prowess on the field quickly made him a key player for Nevada. In 2022, when Jay Norvell transitioned to a new role at Colorado State, he took Horton with him, underscoring the deep trust and bond between the player and coach.
Achieving Stardom at Colorado State
At Colorado State, Horton’s career reached new heights. In the 2022 season, he recorded an impressive 71 receptions for 1,131 yards and scored eight touchdowns. The following year, his stats were even more formidable, with 96 receptions for 1,136 yards and the same number of touchdowns.
Horton’s decision to remain at Colorado State for one final season, instead of declaring for the NFL Draft or entering the transfer portal, spoke volumes about his character. Chad Savage, a graduate assistant, noted, "He's a loyal kid and comes from a loyal family." His loyalty seems to have paid off, as his performances have continued to capture the attention of fans and scouts alike.
Memorable Moments and Resilience
Horton's final collegiate season has been nothing short of eventful. In a recent game, he electrified the crowd with a 78-yard punt return for a touchdown and also led his team with 65 yards receiving before an injury temporarily sidelined him. When asked about Horton's condition, Norvell stated, "Tory is sore but I think he's going to be available to play, so we'll see how he progresses over the week."
Despite the physical challenges, Horton has consistently showcased resilience and outstanding performance on the field. Last year’s overtime loss to Colorado saw him achieve a career-high 16 catches for 133 yards and a touchdown, further solidifying his reputation as a clutch player.
Looking Forward
As Colorado State prepares to host Colorado for the first time since 1996, much of their hopes will rest on Horton's shoulders. His outstanding contributions to the team have already earned him two-time All-Mountain West first-team selections, and he shows no signs of slowing down.
Reflecting on Horton's journey, it becomes clear that his rise to prominence has been marked by hard work, impressive skill, and unwavering loyalty to his coaches and team. As he gears up for his final season at Colorado State, fans eagerly anticipate more electrifying plays and memorable moments from this exceptional athlete.