Wise, Va. - On Wednesday, Head Coach Dewey Lusk announced his first three signings of the 2013 recruiting class as Ty Ryans, Colby Beecham, and Kaleb Thompson agreed to play collegiate football at UVa-Wise.

A 6’4 quarterback from Rogersville, Tenn., Ryans passed for over 7,000 yards in his career at Cherokee High School. Ryans earned 2012 IMAC Offensive Player of the Year accolades as he accounted for 700 rushing yards and 23 total touchdowns as a senior. Also a superb student, the quarterback posted a 3.9 grade point average while at Cherokee. Ryans is the son of Stacy and Jessica Ryans.
Colby Beecham comes to UVa-Wise after a stellar career at Hickory High School. The 6’2, 220 pound, defensive end garnered Defensive Player of the Year and Team M.V.P. honors as a senior. He is the son of Preston and Loraine Beecham.

Defensive lineman Kaleb Thompson committed to UVa-Wise following a senior season that saw him earn Honorable Mention All-State accolades. The 6’4, 235 pound, defensive lineman from Brookville High School also received second-team All Seminole District and second-team All-Region acclaim. Thompson is the son of Steven and Carrie Thompson.

The Cavaliers will kick off the 2013 season on September 7 when the team travels to Campbell University.