The Buffs are buzzing with wide receivers making their mark at the East-West Shrine Bowl—and it’s not just LaJohntay Wester and Will Sheppard. ESPN’s Jordan Reid and Matt Miller tagged the $454K CU Buffs star as one of the eight “rising prospects” at the Shrine Bowl. And the former South Florida standout wowed with a spectacular TD reception, showcasing his elite ball skills. This week, it’s clear—Buffs wide receiver is here to shine. But as NFL scouts rave about his rise, the Buffs star couldn’t help but get emotional.

Who are we talking about? None other than Jimmy Horn Jr. As he reflects on his journey, his mind drifts to the man who’s always been there—his father, whose presence is missed deeply. And we could feel that in Jimmy Jr’s Instagram post. He captioned it, “Miss ya can’t wait til ya out dawg,” a heartfelt tribute to his dad, Horn Sr.

The former player at Seminole High School, Horn Sr., has been the driving force behind Jimmy’s football dream. The single father worked hard, juggling odd jobs like hairdressing and truck driving, just to provide for his son. But through all the struggles, football has been their bond—one that keeps them connected no matter the distance. Now, it seems football is paying off for Jimmy Horn Jr., a dream built on years of hard work and sacrifice. But the question still lingers—why was his father incarcerated?

Horn Sr., has faced his share of struggles. He has been incarcerated on multiple drug-related charges. Following a November 2, 2021 incident, his life took a hard turn. The Seminole County Court handed down his sentence on August 14, 2024. However, despite the challenges, the bond between father and son remains unbreakable.

Growing up in Sanford, Horn Sr. taught his son the values of diligence, self-control, and tenacity. These lessons became Jimmy’s foundation, pushing him to play football from an early age and navigate his tough surroundings. For Jimmy, football became his escape, a way out of the struggles that defined his world.

Now, under Coach Prime, Horn Jr. is rising through the ranks, becoming an even bigger force on the field. The journey from adversity to stardom? He’s just getting started. And become a rising star for the NFL draft as well.

How the CU Buffs star WR did in practice?

Jordan Reid, NFL draft analyst, wasted no time praising Jimmy Horn Jr. for his quickness and strong hands. “He consistently plucked the ball out of the air,” Reid said, highlighting Horn’s dominance in the red zone. Despite standing at just 5’8″ and 171 lbs, Horn proved he could defy man coverage, getting separation with ease. After a season of 37 catches for 441 yards, Horn Jr. was once on the Round 7 bubble—but this week, he’s put himself in a position to become a late-round pick, ready to contribute to an NFL roster. The climb? It’s only just begun.

As of now, CU Buffs fans have every reason to be excited after Reid’s glowing analysis of Jimmy Horn. Horn’s stock is rising, and with Reid’s endorsement, hopes are high for him to be selected in the April draft. Even if he doesn’t get drafted, Horn could easily land an undrafted free-agent contract.

As per NFL analysts, a player like Jimmy Jr., likely to land as a late-round pick or an undrafted free agent, is exactly the type the LA Rams should take a shot on. Underrated, hungry, and ready to prove himself, Horn Jr. has the quickness and hands to make an impact. With another chance to impress NFL scouts at the Shrine Bowl, Horn is ready to show why he’s a hidden gem. Now, the stage is set—his moment to shine is here.

Let’s see what transpires on Thursday.