Strike 3: While hearts are trying to mend all over Colorado State Rams country after the heartbreaking buzzer-beater loss to Maryland in the NCAA Tournament, followed almost immediately by the departure of head coach Nico Medved, another important mending is all but complete.

One of CSU football’s all-time greats, wide receiver Tory Horton, became something of an afterthought when he was lost for the year early last season during the Ram’s bowl game run in 2024. It was a tragic ending to a CSU career that included numerous school records and highlight reel moments. As a pass catcher and punt returner, Horton’s production was impossible for any single player to replace. Many thought the CSU season would go down the drain after the devastating injury. However, led by a stellar defense and a strong running game, the Ram’s survived.

While the team went on that run to the postseason, Horton was very quietly throwing himself into his rehab. Any speedy recovery takes discipline and dedication, qualities that Horton possesses in droves. That he has come all the way back is no surprise to his teammates, who have always been quick to note that there was absolutely zero “diva” in Horton. He’s always gotten high marks for his work ethic and for being a great teammate.

After the Rams’ season ended, Horton continued to quietly and diligently work his way back from the knee injury and has ultimately positioned himself as a promising pro prospect with the NFL draft on the immediate horizon.

Horton performed very well at the NFL Combine, where he displayed excellent hands and was seen as having “exceptional ball-tracking ability.” The fifth-year senior – who was last seen limping off the field at Canvas Stadium in October – ran a 4.4 40-yard dash and posted a 37.5 vertical jump.

NFL Redzone says Horton profiles as a “Good backup with potential to develop into a starter.”

That’s great news for an explosive player who broke numerous records at a school with a rich tradition of churning out NFL wide receivers.

Horton has reminded some CSU observers of former Ram All-American Michael Gallup, who played seven seasons with the Dallas Cowboys and the Las Vegas Raiders before landing with the Washington Commanders. Gallup, who set a single season reception record at CSU in 2017, is one of a handful of former Ram wideouts who made a name for themselves in the NFL, a long list that includes names like David Anderson, Rashard Higgins and Preston Williams.

Horton is likely to be a middle round draft choice, flying somewhat under the radar. He would actually make a great addition to the Denver Broncos, who need to add a low-cost option at wideout. Broncos coach Sean Payton likes the tall, long pass catchers, meaning Horton would fit his profile.

Whether the Broncos choose to spend a mid-round pick on a wideout probably depends on what they do earlier in the draft. If they spend draft capital on a running back or two as they should early on, then they may look at a guy like Horton later on. If they do so, the upside could be huge.