Tory Horton: The Rise of a Star Wide Receiver
When Nevada faced off against Fresno State during the 2019 season, head coach Jay Norvell was not just looking for a road win, but also on the lookout for potential recruits. Little did he know that he would stumble upon a hidden gem in the form of Fresno-area receiver Tory Horton. Despite flying under the radar with no offers from FBS programs, Horton’s talent caught the eye of Nevada’s coaching staff during a crucial playoff game in the CIF-Central Section.
The night before the Wolf Pack’s victorious game against the Bulldogs, Nevada receivers coach Eric Scott made his way to the playoff game to scout a potential recruit. This player had been recommended to Scott by graduate assistant Chad Savage and director of player personnel Lucas Gauthier. Despite a lackluster performance on the field that night, Horton’s potential was evident to Scott, who wasted no time in extending a scholarship offer to the talented receiver.
Horton’s journey to becoming a standout wide receiver started long before his recruitment by Nevada. As a three-star prospect on 247Sports since February 2019, Horton had garnered attention despite the absence of offers from other schools. His older brother, Tyler Horton, had already made a name for himself at Boise State, setting the stage for Tory to follow in his footsteps.
While Washington Union may not have been known for producing top-tier talent, Horton was part of a formidable receiver group on the 7-on-7 circuit. His team, No Zone, boasted five future Division I receivers, including current NFL players Xavier Worthy and Jalen McMillan. Despite the lack of offers, Horton’s skills were undeniable, and it was only a matter of time before he caught the attention of college coaches.
Despite initial slow progress in his recruitment, Horton’s fortunes changed when Nevada took a chance on him. This leap of faith not only transformed Horton’s career but also solidified his place as one of the top players at Nevada. His impressive performance on the field caught the attention of Colorado State, where Norvell would later bring him along in 2022.
In his redshirt sophomore season with the Rams, Horton’s talent truly shone as he racked up impressive stats, including 71 receptions for 1,131 yards and eight touchdowns. His stellar performance continued into the following season, where he recorded 96 receptions for 1,136 yards and another eight touchdowns. Horton’s success on the field positioned him as one of the top draft-eligible prospects, garnering attention from the NFL scouts.
Despite the tempting prospects of entering the NFL Draft or transferring to a Power Four school, Horton chose loyalty and decided to stay at Colorado State for one final season. His decision was a testament to the faith that Norvell and Savage had shown in him when others had overlooked his talent.
As Colorado prepares to face off against Colorado State in a highly anticipated matchup, all eyes are on Horton as he aims to continue his impressive performance on the field. Despite a recent injury, Horton’s determination and resilience are expected to carry him through, making him a key player to watch in the upcoming game.
In his previous encounters with Colorado, Horton has proven himself as a force to be reckoned with, showcasing his skills with a career-high 16 receptions for 133 yards and a touchdown in a heartbreaking overtime loss. His two-time All-Mountain West first-team selection and undeniable talent have solidified his future in the NFL, making him a player to watch in the upcoming season.
Looking back at Horton’s journey from an under-the-radar recruit to a star wide receiver, it is evident that his success is a result of hard work, dedication, and the belief of those who saw his potential. Without Nevada’s visit to Fresno and the opportunity they provided him, Horton’s future could have taken a completely different path.