Nevada's Memorable 2019 Season and Tory Horton's Rise
The 2019 football season was a significant one for the Nevada Wolf Pack. Under the guidance of third-year head coach Jay Norvell, the team achieved a notable victory over Fresno State. Amid this victory and other season highlights, a new talent began to emerge, catching the eyes of scouts and coaches alike: Tory Horton.
During a CIF-Central Section playoff game that Eric Scott attended, Horton made an impression with a standout play, a single catch that spanned 54 yards. That performance, along with his other attributes, earned him his first FBS scholarship offer from Nevada, a pivotal moment for the young three-star prospect recognized by 247Sports earlier that year. Before Nevada extended their offer, Horton's college opportunities were limited to Big Sky schools such as Montana and Northern Colorado.
Horton was not just any young talent; he was part of No Zone, a particularly gifted 7-on-7 team that featured 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," said Mike Ware, Horton's Fresno-based 7-on-7 coach, highlighting the caliber of players in the team.
In 2022, Jay Norvell took a significant career step by moving to Colorado State. He brought Horton along with him, a testament to the loyal relationship they had built during their time at Nevada. Chad Savage, a graduate assistant, described Horton succinctly: "He's a loyal kid and comes from a loyal family."
Horton's performance at Colorado State quickly validated Norvell's decision. In the 2022 season, he caught 71 passes for an impressive 1,131 yards and eight touchdowns. He continued this stellar performance into the 2023 season, recording 96 receptions for 1,136 yards and again eight touchdowns. His commitment to Colorado State was evident when he chose to return for one final season, eschewing the NFL Draft and transfer opportunities.
Horton’s heroics have not been limited to receiving yards. His versatility was displayed prominently when he returned a punt 78 yards for a touchdown, energizing his team and fans alike, before an injury sidelined him. Despite the setback, Norvell provided a hopeful update: "Tory is sore but I think he's going to be available to play, so we'll see how he progresses over the week."
As a two-time All-Mountain West first-team selection, Horton's consistent excellence was showcased in last year's overtime loss to Colorado, where he achieved a career-high 16 catches for 133 yards and a touchdown. His decision to return and contribute for one more season is highly anticipated by Colorado State fans, especially as the team prepares to host Colorado for the first time since 1996.
Tory Horton’s journey from a promising young talent on a high school playoff field to a standout receiver in the Mountain West is a narrative of growth, loyalty, and impressive athleticism. His dedication to his team and his consistent performance have made him a player to watch in the upcoming season.