The senior has taken the reins of an offense known mostly for the run and turned it into one of the Inter Mountain Athletic Conference's (IMAC) top offensive teams, shredding the school's passing records as a junior and using his senior season as gravy. He passed for 2,038 yards this past season, falling just short of capturing the IMAC lead in passing.

For his efforts, Ryans was recently named the IMAC's Offensive Player of the Year on the all-conference team. He has passed for more than 6,000 yards in his Cherokee career, breaking Marty Euverard's  career passing record and then some.

Ryans added rushing to his repituire this year, finishing sixth in the IMAC with 647 rushing yards. He is being courted by Eastern Kentucky, Western Kentucky, Virginia-Wise and Austin Peay for his football talents.

"Ty has done a really good job for us," Cherokee assistant coach Ryan Lawson said, "He stepped up and become more of a leader (this season). We're really proud of him."

"The seniors have played well, without a doubt, as they have done all year," Cherokee coach Mike Sivert said, "This has been a good bunch to stay with us and put all four years in.

Also named to the first-team All-IMAC were senior slotback Cole Russell and wide receiver Tanner Trent. Russell produced as a running back this year following injuries his junior campaign, rushing for 579 yards. Trent, a junior, led the IMAC with 42 catches and 790 yards.

Second-team awards went to senior receiver Ethan Hagood, offensive lineman Brian Dyer and defensive back Andrew Testerman. Hagood was seventh in the conference with 29 receptions for 505 yards. Dyer did his part to keep pressure off Ryans while Testerman recovered several fumbles, including one against Morristown West in the season's third game that gave the Chiefs a chance for victory in a game Cherokee lost 31-26.

"The (senior class) were small on numbers, but great on heart.," Sivert said, "They have been leaders all the way through and have done a super job of motivating not only themselves, but their teammates. You can listen to other kids and I bragged on them. I really bragged on their chemistry, the way that there were no jealousy, no problems, they've bonded together well. That's just something I've not had the opportunity to see in all the years I've coached. They always get along well, personality-wise, they're unselfish. They're a true brotherhood of caring for each other."