3 problematic Colorado State players vs. Texas

Tory Horton, WR

Colorado State's deepest position group on either side of the ball is its receiving corps, which features multiple P4-level playmakers for returning sophomore starting quarterback Brayden Fowler-Nicolosi to spread the ball around to on offense through the air.

Back-to-back 1,000-yard receiver Tory Horton is the star of this respectable Colorado State receiving corps.

Texas must be weary of identifying the threat Horton's playmaking ability and volume touches. Horton is where this offense starts and ends regarding its top playmakers at the skill positions for the Rams this season.

"With him, first of all, where is he lining up? They move him around a fair amount. Then, having the ability to win at the top of routes against him. He’s got good length. Then, you’ve got to get him on the ground."

- Steve Sarkisian on Tory Horton

Colorado State loves to get Horton the ball any way they can downfield and out in space on short route concepts. While Horton, at 6-foot-3 and 190-pounds, does have the tools to be that traditional big boundary receiver who can bring down those tough contested 50-50 balls, he can also do damage after the route when he gets the ball with space to make things happen after the catch.

Horton led all MWC receivers last season with triple-digit targets in the passing game, with over 350 yards after the catch on short route targets (between 0-9 air yards).

"He’s good. He’s good in one-on-ones. The quarterback loves him in 50-50 balls and in things like that. They have a lot of plays that can get him open, or he’s going to get himself open. He’s competing at a high level, so it’s a good matchup for everybody."

- Jahdae Barron on Tory Horton

Another side of the ball where the Longhorns must prepare to face Horton this weekend is on special teams. Jeff Banks' coverage units must be prepared to face the Mountain West active leader in punt return touchdowns. Horton has taken a punt return back to the house for a score in each season he's played at Colorado State in the last two years.

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