Nevada's 2019 Season and the Rise of Tory Horton
Nevada's football journey in 2019 marked a significant milestone for both the team and its head coach, Jay Norvell. Under his leadership in his third year, Nevada triumphed over Fresno State, showcasing the team's potential and resilience. This season also served as the backdrop for the emergence of an exceptional talent, Tory Horton.
A pivotal moment in Horton's career came during a CIF-Central Section playoff game, where he made a remarkable catch for 54 yards. Present at that game was Eric Scott, whose observation led to Nevada extending a scholarship offer to Horton, making it his first from a Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) program. Up until then, Horton's college prospects included only Big Sky schools, Montana, and Northern Colorado.
Tory Horton’s journey to prominence began in earnest in February 2019 when he earned a three-star prospect rating on 247Sports. His talent was further honed as part of the elite 7-on-7 team, No Zone. This team featured future Division I wide receivers such as Xavier Worthy, Jalen McMillan, Jeremiah Hunter, and Mac Dalena. Reflecting on his time with No Zone, Mike Ware, Horton’s Fresno-based 7-on-7 coach, remarked, "We had all those receivers on No Zone, and now they're doing the same, if not better, at the next level."
Jay Norvell's belief in Horton didn't waver. When Norvell was hired by Colorado State in 2022, he brought Horton along, a testament to the bond and trust between the player and coach. Horton thrived at Colorado State, notching 71 receptions for 1,131 yards and eight touchdowns in the 2022 season. His performance only improved in the following season, recording 96 receptions for 1,136 yards and eight touchdowns.
In an era where athletes frequently transfer or declare for the NFL Draft at the first opportunity, Horton's decision to stay at Colorado State for one final season speaks volumes about his character. "He's a loyal kid and comes from a loyal family," noted Chad Savage, a graduate assistant at Colorado State.
As Colorado State gears up to host Colorado for the first time since 1996, the spotlight shines brightly on Horton. Despite an injury that sidelined him last week, Horton electrified fans with a 78-yard punt return for a touchdown and a team-high 65 yards receiving. Coach Jay Norvell is optimistic about Horton's return, stating, "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 impact on the field has been undeniable. He is a two-time All-Mountain West first-team selection and achieved a career-high 16 catches for 133 yards and a touchdown in last year's overtime loss to Colorado. As he prepares for his final season, the anticipation is palpable. Horton’s journey from a three-star recruit to a standout player at Colorado State exemplifies dedication, skill, and loyalty, attributes that will undoubtedly shape his future, whether on the collegiate field or beyond.