Colorado State wide receiver Tommy Maher’s big game Saturday against San Diego State was just a small step in what has become a remarkable rise since he walked-on to the team before the 2024 season.

Maher caught six passes against the Aztecs for a career-high 108 yards and scored a career-best two touchdowns. An injury sidelined him early in the season, but he has slowly worked his way back and last week was one of quarterback Hauss Hejny’s most reliable targets.

But for Maher, it was just another night of work, and another testament to the commitment and dedication he has put in since he joined the team two years ago.

“I went to a big high school, bunch of guys, ton of recruits and I was kind of overshadowed there,” Maher said. “I didn’t really play until my senior year, so I came in and I knew how to compete, and I just brought that with me here.

“I basically started at the bottom. But for me, it was just stacking days each day and just making my way up, and I was fortunate to get on the field a little bit my freshman year and it worked out great.”

Coming out of St. John Bosco High School in Bellflower, California, Maher was recruited by former CSU head coach Jay Norvell and his staff. He wasn’t offered a scholarship and instead took a walk-on opportunity.

His hard work resulted in him appearing in five games for the Rams in 2024. He ended up catching four passes for 99 yards and a touchdown.

“I think I did a great job building from there,” Maher said. “I had a great offseason of work. Our receiver coach left, but a new one came in and coached me. He did a great job with us. I think I was ready for that next step.”

The biggest moment for him that first season came after the Border War game against Wyoming. He caught his first touchdown pass in that game, and it resulted in a rewarding moment.

CSU’s coaching staff had seen enough, and the former walk-on was awarded a scholarship.

“It was awesome,” Maher said. “I thought I was in a good place to get on scholarship, but I didn’t really know. They just surprised me in the locker room. Coach Norvell called my name, like, full scholarship. It was such a cool moment and something I’m going to hold for the rest of my life.”

He took another step forward last fall, appearing in all 12 games for CSU and catching 32 passes for 358 yards.

Maher also weathered a mid-season coaching change and a two-win season. Despite a new coach coming in, he wanted to stay at CSU for another season.

“I think it was just coach (Jim) Mora and his great resume in the NFL,” Maher said. “I was just super comfortable sticking around and I love it here in Fort Collins, so I just wanted to stay.”

He caught his new coach’s attention as well. After Maher’s big game against the Aztecs last week in which he had 100 yards receiving and the first two-touchdown game of his career by halftime, Mora praised Maher.

“Tommy is like a hidden gem,” Mora said. “He’s so reliable and he’s so consistent. He’s a hard worker and he knows what to do all the time.”