Courtesy UPIKE Athletics Coach Dudley Hilton and his staff pose with a large group of the University of Pikeville's 2013 signing class during an event at the Hoops Athletics Facility on Wednesday.

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PIKEVILLE — The University of Pikeville football team has landed a signing class that totals 66 and introduced them at a ceremony on campus Wednesday in an event at the Hoops Athletics Facility.

The National Signing Day event saw the Bears unveil 43 high-school signees, 20 mid-year signees and the return of three players who had left the program.

Coach Dudley Hilton, who is entering his third season as head coach of the Bears, was proud of the class and what it represents. “Our staff has not stopped working on this recruiting class and I think it has been proven today,” he said. “We’re very happy with the players we’ve been able to bring in here and those who will be joining us at the University of Pikeville.

“It’s a great day for us.”

Included in the list are six transfers from NCAA Div. I schools. They are:

— Nu’keese Richardson, a wide receiver from the University of Tennessee

— Jatavious Miller, a linebacker from West Virginia University and Hampton University

— Morgan Alexander, a running back from North Carolina State; and

— Quarterback Dominique Blackmon, linebacker Jeremiah Walters and safety Joshua Walters, all from the University of Idaho.

Allan Holland Jr., associate head coach and offensive coordinator, said the work isn’t over. “We aren’t finished yet,” he said. “There’s a lot of talent out there and we will continue working to fill our needs. We’re proud of what we’ve accomplished as a staff, but we know there’s more work to do.”

Notable players heading to Pikeville from this area include: Bell County receiver/defensive back Tyler Green, Harlan teammates David Allen (WR/DB) and Eric Young (P/WR), and South Laurel linebacker Austin Schaser and receiver Jason Mitchell.

The complete 2013 signing class can be found at www.upikebears.com.