Nevada's 2019 Football Season and Eric Scott’s Impact on Tory Horton’s Journey
Nevada's 2019 football season stood out not just for its memorable matches, but also as a pivotal year for several aspiring athletes. Under the seasoned guidance of third-year head coach Jay Norvell, Nevada took on Fresno State and claimed victory, a highlight for the team's season.
Among those benefiting from Norvell’s dedication to talent scouting and development was Tory Horton. During a CIF-Central Section playoff game, Eric Scott, a key figure in Nevada's recruiting efforts, witnessed Horton's potential firsthand. In that game, Horton made a significant impression, securing one catch for 54 yards.
His performance did not go unnoticed. Nevada extended a scholarship offer to Horton, marking his first from a Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) program. Before this, Horton’s collegiate opportunities were limited to Big Sky schools such as Montana and Northern Colorado. The offer from Nevada was a game-changer, placing Horton on the radar of larger programs.
Talent Worth Noticing
Since February 2019, Horton had been recognized as a three-star prospect on 247Sports, showcasing his potential in the realm of college football. He was also a key member of the No Zone, a 7-on-7 team brimming with future Division I receivers like Xavier Worthy, Jalen McMillan, Jeremiah Hunter, and Mac Dalena. 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."
When Jay Norvell transitioned to Colorado State in 2022, he brought Horton along, a testament to Horton's talent and the coach's belief in his potential. Horton flourished at Colorado State, catching 71 passes for 1,131 yards and eight touchdowns in the 2022 season. His impressive performance continued into the 2023 season, recording 96 receptions for 1,136 yards and eight touchdowns.
A Testament to Loyalty and Dedication
Despite opportunities to declare for the NFL Draft or transfer via the portal, Horton demonstrated remarkable loyalty by choosing to return to Colorado State for one final season. "He's a loyal kid and comes from a loyal family," says Chad Savage, a graduate assistant who has closely followed Horton's journey.
Resilience and Unfinished Business
Horton’s current season has been eventful. During a recent game, he delivered an electrifying 78-yard punt return for a touchdown and led the team with 65 yards receiving before being sidelined by an injury. Jay Norvell tempered concerns by 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."
Over his college career, Horton has established himself as a two-time All-Mountain West first-team selection. His performance last year against Colorado was a personal highlight, recording a career-high 16 catches for 133 yards and a touchdown in an overtime loss.
As Horton embarks on his final season with Colorado State, his journey is a testament to resilience, talent, and the strong support system around him. His eyes are set on leading Colorado State in a significant season, including the much-anticipated face-off with Colorado, the first since 1996. While his collegiate career nears its conclusion, Tory Horton’s narrative speaks volumes about perseverance and the impact of solid mentorship and loyalty in the competitive world of college football.