LAS VEGAS — A big grin spreads across Jack Howell’s face and he lets out a loud laugh as he realizes where the question is headed.
Howell is one of the best defensive players in the Mountain West, and he faces Colorado State’s star receiver Tory Horton on a daily basis in practice.
He’s being asked for a scouting report on Horton. But not on what makes Horton (who has more than 3,000 career receiving yards in college) a great pass catcher.
No, the question is, what’s the scouting report on Horton the quarterback?
“He can sling it!” Howell says with a laugh.
“It’s funny because last year he was like, ‘They should let me throw the ball,’ and then CU week, we had a play called up for him to throw the ball and I’m not going to lie, I did not think it was going to go good, but it was perfect.”
The 25-yard touchdown pass from Horton to Dallin Holker on a trick play in the Colorado game wasn’t Horton’s first pass, but it was the most notable. A record national television audience was left stunned because it wasn't a blown coverage and wide-open receiver. Horton had to put it in a small window.
Horton wasn’t surprised, though.
“As soon as I released it, I knew it was a dot. When I released it, I knew it was on the money,” Horton said with a sly grin during Mountain West media days. “I’ve got some dots in the career! I’ve got some pretty good throws.”
Anyone who knows Horton knows that he makes sure his teammates know of his passing acumen. CSU coach Jay Norvell says Horton enjoys teasing starting QB Brayden Fowler-Nicolosi that Horton has the better passer rating.
In his college career, Horton has thrown six passes, completing five of them for 151 yards (25 yards per pass!) with a touchdown. He did throw a pick last season, so he’s not infallible.
It’s a fun joking point on the team, but also a real weapon. Horton was a star centerfielder and shortstop in baseball growing up. He knows how to put the ball on a spot.
The trick plays are a real weapon. Horton is such a threat as a receiver that you can’t overplay the trick play, so teams can be lulled into a sense of security. It’s a real wrinkle for defenses to prepare for.
“He’s got a really good arm. We’ve never been afraid to let kids do things with trick plays. If we have a kid that can do something, we’re not afraid to let them do it,” Norvell said. “Tory’s got really good judgment as well. When he has the ball in his hands, he usually makes the right judgement.”
Will Horton as QB return in 2024?
“We’ll see what we have in store,” Horton said with a knowing grin.
Follow sports reporter Kevin Lytle on X and Instagram @Kevin_Lytle.
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