Devy Digest: Tory Horton

Who is Tory Horton?

Horton attended Washington High School in Fresno California and was a 3 star in the composites. At Washington High, Horton was a three sport athlete, playing football, basketball and baseball and originally committed to the Nevada Wolfpack. In 2020, Horton appeared in every game and compiled a stat line of 20-336-2. He earned more playing time in 2021 and was an impact player, ending the season with 52-659-5. In 2022, Horton transferred to Colorado State and followed Head Coach Jay Norvell and immediately became the wide receiver one for his new program and blossomed into a CFF stud, compiling stat line of 71-1131-8. This season, Horton has developed from a CFF asset to a devy asset by improving his game year in and year out and we now take a look at his devy potential.

Advance Metrics courtesy of Campus 2 Canton

Rest of Season Outlook

Horton has been off to a great 2023 start and averaging double digits in targets every game this season and still producing, while defenses are trying to scheme up ways to take him out of the game. Horton has been gaining a lot of devy steam and it's not hard to see why. The Jay Norvell system is friendly to receivers and they get their players in situations where they can succeed...something that is easier said than done. Colorado State's toughest game on paper is Boise State.  Other than that it's conceivable to think Horton will continue to get targeted a dozen times or more in each game and compile monster stats. He'll continue to be a wide receiver one in C2C/CFF formats.

Strengths

While watching his tape, Horton wins on all levels and the coaching staff does a great job to scheme him up and they like to deploy either another receiver inside of him or an in line tight end of to have that player run a clearing route and then Horton crosses under to create a lot of space for Horton to create after the catch. Horton is creative after the catch and does really well to create additional yards. Horton isn't an exclusive short route runner and he has the speed to take the top off of defenses and can pluck the ball at the high point. Horton possess strong hands and has excellent body control and a high Football IQ is perhaps his best calling card. Horton possesses good footwork and knows how to frame his body and shield the ball from his defender.

Improvements/Concerns

Horton has a long, lean, slender build and his frame can add on some weight, while today's NFL, that isn't as important as it once was, it would still be nice to see him tack on an additional 5-10lbs of playing weight, not combine weight. While not being asked due to system that is ran at Colorado State, we didn't see enough reps of Horton being a willing blocker in the run game. At times, when playing bigger and more physical corners, Horton can be pressed and taken off his initial destination. Playing in the Mountain West, he doesn't see enough of bigger corners, but it is something to note.

Devy Value

Horton could easily by a day two guy and if you have shares of Horton, you're pretty happy. In C2C formats, he is helping you win weeks, while turning from a CFF asset to a devy asset. If you have him in a C2C league and your wide receivers on the NFL side is good enough and have enough bench depth, you could turn him into a high supplemental pick and an additional player. Something to think about if you C2C league has a trade deadline and if you aren't competing for a Championship on the NCAA side and you have enough depth, you can use his momentum to pick up new pieces, If you are trying to buy Horton, it will cost you as he is producing at an elite level on CFF side and now has a lot of devy steam, you're buying high. If you're in win now mode on CFF side, it might be worth it to take home a Championship.

NFL Outlook

Horton is my G5 WR2. I have Malachi Corley higher for G5 guys only, but do believe both can garner day 2 draft capital. Corley has more traits than Horton and Horton could be someone who takes a year to develop at the next level. When I watch his tape, he could end up being a Rashee Rice type.  Horton should get taken day 2 and be in the mix.  He needs to make the most of his opportunities.