MARTINS FERRY — The Martins Ferry football program has long been known for its running game.

But, when Purple Riders head coach Chas Yoder took a look at his 2019 roster, he realized he had a veteran quarterback and a game-breaking wide receiver.

Both delivered in a big way, too.

Dasyn Hores — the home run hitter on the perimeter — put forth a season few have ever seen at Martins Ferry.

That kind of production and upside has allowed Hores to extend his football career. He recently signed his National Letter of Intent to play at Wheeling University for head coach Zac Bruney, a former Purple Rider standout.

“The first time I went on a visit (to Wheeling), I kind of had that feeling that it was my future home,” Hores said. “When I went back for an overnight (visit), I knew immediately that Wheeling was where I belong. I loved the brotherhood and family atmosphere.”

Once he realized that, his first text was to his mom, Karlie.

“I told her, ‘I want to go here,'” Hores recalled.

His next message was to Bruney.

“I’ve always liked Coach (Zac) Bruney, his passion for football is the same as mine, he wants to win and he treats us like family,” Hores said.

Hores’ senior season saw him catch 46 passes for 984 yards and 11 touchdowns and earn a myriad of accolades.

Recently selected to participate in the Ohio North-South All-Star Classic in April, Hores was an All-Ohio third-team selection and first-team All-Eastern District. He was All-OVAC, All-Buckeye 8, All-Valley and All-Times Leader.

As a junior, Hores hauled in 27 passes for 431 yards and earned all-OVAC, All-Times Leader and second-team All-Eastern District.

“I have no regrets in my four years at Martins Ferry,” Hores said. “I just want to thank everyone who helped me along the way because without the support system, I would not be the student-athlete I am today.”

When Hores begins to look at the future as a Cardinal, he immediately looks at his frame as one area where he needs to concentrate.

“Being a three-sport athlete, I’ve struggled to find time to dedicate to the weight room,” Hores admitted. “I need to put more weight on.”

As is the case for seemingly everyone making the jump from the prep ranks to the college game, at any level, is a player can never have enough speed.

“I need to increase my speed,” Hores said. “When you get to the next level, everyone is bigger and faster, so you have to put the work in when no one else is.”

Hores is excited to be joining a Cardinals’ program that threw for more than 2,200 yards last season, which was its first as a varsity sport.

“I am excited to be part of a team that’s not afraid to throw the ball,” Hores said. “I like the quarterback and the ball he throws. I would love to be a starting wide receiver, but I know I have a lot of work to do to get my body ready to play at the next level.”

While football will be the focus moving forward, Hores has shined in three sports with the Riders, earning acclaim in basketball and baseball as well.

He was a second-team All-Eastern District basebal player and second-team All-District 12 basketball selection. He was named Honorable Mention All-Valley for hoops and was an EOBL All-Star selection in 2018.

On top of his athletic career, Hores serve as the Class of 2020 President, is a member of Drug Free Club and is an honor roll student

Dasyn, who plans to major in special education, is the son of Jay and Karlie Hores.