Michigan State HC Mel Tucker Names Victim Of Oxford High School Shooting As Honorary Member Of 2022 Class

The biggest signing of college football's Early Signing Day was not Travis Hunter to Jackson State. Nor was it *insert any five-star* to Alabama or Georgia. It was Tate Myre, named an honorary "Spartan Dawg" by Michigan State head coach Mel Tucker.

Myre was one of the four victims in the Oxford High School shooting on Nov. 30. He was also a Class of 2023 prospect and had taken a recruiting visit to Toledo.

His lasting legacy, however, is as a hero. Myre reportedly attempted to stop the shooter, sacrificing his own life in the process. Myre's incredible display of heroism was honored by Tucker in a video posted on Twitter.

"Tate Myre had an unmatched work ethic, athleticism and love for his teammates," Tucker said. "He had a passion to one day play for Michigan State. This passion was paired with an unstoppable drive and follow through to get there. Tate's consistency on and off the football field elevated everyone who knew him.

"Our hearts go out to the families and loved ones of Hana St. Juliana, Justin Shilling, Madisyn Baldwin and Tate Myre. And we will continue to support the Oxford community any way that we can."

Myre was also honored by Michigan during its 42-3 win over Iowa in the Big Ten Championship game on Dec. 4. The team wore honorary patches with his initials and the No. 42 on them, Myre's number in high school.

After the game, head coach Jim Harbaugh said it was an easy decision to dedicate the game to Myre.

“Aidan came to me and said he wanted to dedicate this game to Tate Myre,” Harbaugh said. “I said, ‘Yes, let’s do that.’ That was huge.”

Photo courtesy of Michigan State Athletics.

Follow Nick Geddes on Twitter @NickGeddesNews and on Instagram @nick.geddes.