The Thunder’s own ‘T.V.’ does what it takes to get time

By John Bassetti

YOUNGSTOWN — TaVoris Horton has been on a whirlwind lately.

Two weeks ago, he played for the Kentucky Horsemen, then the 6-foot-1, 260-pound defensive lineman came to the Mahoning Valley mid-week before jumping on the Thunder bus for a trip to Manchester, N.H. for last week’s af2 game against the Wolves.

Did we say that he started and played two positions under interim head coach Brennen Booth before being introduced to new head coach Chris MacKeown this week?

Horton, whose friends call him T.V., is a Macon, Ga., native who resides in Louisville, Ky. He played three games with Kentucky this season, his second in af2.

“It was a situation where I wanted to be traded or released or whatever because I felt like I need to play. I think I’m a good enough athlete to be a big asset to a team and I need to play instead of sitting down.”

Horton, who played college ball at Gardner-Webb, a Div. I-AA school in North Carolina, said he was dissatisfied in Lexington, home of the Horsemen, whom the Thunder play Saturday at the Covelli Centre.

“It wasn’t that anybody was better than me, it was basically rotations. I guess that by being a selfish player, you want to play right now. When you feel like you’re good, you want to play.”

In his first game for Mahoning Valley, Horton played defensive end for Tim Cheatwood, then played fullback the whole second half when Brenton Brady hurt a knee.

“I filled in for him without knowing any plays. It was just athletic ability taking over.”

Horton finished with 4.5 tackles.

Cheatwood injured an MCL against Wilkes-Barre/Scranton during the Thunder’s May 8 game. Also necessitating Horton’s presence was the fact that DL Mike Alston was inactive.

Horton said MacKeown brings his own package in with new plays.

“It’s a learning experience for everybody. We’re starting from zero, but the thing about [Wednesday’s] practice is we picked up well. Everybody was very focused and we got a lot in. It’ll be interesting to see what happens Saturday.”

Wednesday’s practice under MacKeown lasted nearly three hours starting at 8:45 a.m. and the new coach flip-flopped the schedule to practice first, then film study.

“Whatever it takes,” Horton said. “Like I said, it’s a big transition for the whole organization — new coach comes in and we have to learn plays, so if it takes three hours to learn plays we’ve got to do that.”

His role against his former team will be primarily fullback with spot duty on defense.

Horton said he’ll be motivated for the Horsemen.

“It’s very personal whenever you’re going against an old team. They’re a great group of guys and coaches, but it’s going to be very interesting. I know the ins and outs of those players. I know they’re going to bring their A-game to me, so I’ve gotta bring mind.”

Even at age 26, Horton’s been a journeyman.

“I’ve had recent activity in the NFL and CFL and others, but I want to get back to the NFL, so I’m just trying my best to get opportunities.”

A good way toward that goal is to knock some bodies around on Saturday night.

bassetti@vindy.com