FORT COLLINS – It was a special moment for Ayden Hector.
The Colorado State redshirt sophomore defensive back had gotten a hint a couple of weeks before from head coach Jay Norvell that he might be one of a few players being awarded scholarships after walking on to the program. Sunday, he met with Norvell and other members of the coaching staff who told him it was happening. Monday morning, Norvell announced to the team that Hector and five other players were receiving scholarships.
For a player who played in three games at Washington State in 2020 after walking on there and then sat out the 2021 season, it was a huge moment.
“Coach Norvell strongly hinted to me that there were going to be a few guys that were going to be getting scholarships at the end of the season,” Hector recalled. “It was a great feeling. There are very few things like that, just knowing that my parents are going to be happy.
“It being told in front of the whole team (Monday) and everyone cheering for me, I almost teared up. I’ll admit it. I almost teared up….Just knowing that the team was so happy for us, itap really shown how much we’re starting to mend together as a family.”
At Eastside Catholic (Wash.) High School, Hector was the third-rated prospect in the state coming out of high school. In his three games at Washington State, he started two and had 13 tackles, two fumble recoveries and an interception.
Hector didn’t make his first in-game appearance until CSU’s third game of the season, ironically against his former team. He made his first start, and his biggest play of the season, two weeks later against Nevada. His 21-yard interception return for a touchdown less than six minutes into that game sparked the Rams to their first win and ever since he has been a staple in the defensive secondary.
“(Ayden) has done a good job as our nickel defensively and really made some impactful plays defensively,” Norvell said.
Hector has three interceptions, the latest coming two weeks ago at San Jose State. He, along with his defensive secondary teammates Jack Howell and Henry Blackburn, have made players shy away from throwing deep. The trio has a total of seven interceptions.
Hector credits both Norvell and defensive coordinator Freddie Banks for both his opportunities and his improvement.
“He demands perfection, and anything less than that, he’ll get on it,” Hector said of Banks. “And I wouldn’t have it any other way because I’m trying to be the best player I can be. I’m just grateful to be here, grateful to play for coach Banks and Coach Norvell.”
