PHOTO GALLERYA three-year starter, Michael Horton is one of the most prolific University of New Haven quarterbacks to ever wear a Chargers’ uniform. Posting a 23-7 record as a starter and three seasons with over 2,000 yards of total offense, the Vauxhall, N.J. native helped lead the Chargers to three consecutive seasons with seven or more wins.
After playing a backup role as a freshman, Horton quickly found his place as the starting quarterback during his sophomore season. With fellow Hall of Fame honoree Greg Ortman leading the UNH receiver corps, Horton posted career numbers in ‘86. He threw for over 2,600 yards and 17 touchdowns, while leading the Chargers to a record-tying eight wins. He completed 200 passes in 1986, becoming the first Charger to accomplish that feat. He is still one of just four to ever complete 200 or more passes in a single season. The sophomore’s numbers set new single-season records for passing yards, passing touchdowns and completions. He was also named the New England Player of the Year following his sophomore season.
After catching most defenses off balance in 1986, Horton followed his outstanding sophomore season with another New England Player of the Year performance in 1987. He tallied 1,902 passing yards and 11 touchdowns while once again leading the Chargers to an 8-2 record. After his junior season, Horton held the school records for most career completions, attempts and yards gained.
Horton posted another record-setting season as a senior and as the 1988 media guide stated, “When you think of UNH offense, the name Mike Horton pops into your mind.” The 6-foot-4 senior threw for 2,268 yards and 15 touchdowns. The Chargers posted their third-straight season with at least seven wins and Horton collected his third All-New England honor.
During his four seasons, the quarterback completed 509-of-998 pass attempts for 6,836 yards and 43 touchdowns. His 50.9 career completion percentage also ranks as one of the best in UNH history.
His career set the stage for a very successful line of UNH quarterbacks in the years to follow. At the time of his graduation, Horton held every single UNH passing record. These records included most passing yards in a game, season and career, most attempts in a game, season and career, most completions in a game, season and career, and most touchdowns in a game, season and career. He also held the records for total offense in a game, season and career. Currently, Horton’s name can be found 10 different places throughout the UNH record books.
