Michigan State names Oxford's Tate Myre an honorary Spartan Dawg in 2022 recruiting class

Michigan State football named Tate Myre — a star athlete killed in the Nov. 30 shooting at Oxford High School — an honorary member of its 2022 recruiting class on Wednesday, the first day of college football's early signing period.

"We are honored to recognize Tate Myre as the first Spartan Dawg of the 2022 class," coach Mel Tucker said in a video. "A Spartan Dawg is defined not by the plays they make on the field, but by the character they exemplify, the leadership they bring to their team and their community, and for extraordinary individuals like Tate Myre, their heroism."

[ Oxford shooting: Star athlete Tate Myre was willing to sacrifice for others ]

Myre, 16, was one of four teenagers killed in the shooting. The other teens who died were Madisyn Baldwin, 17; Hana St. Juliana, 14, and Justin Shilling, 17. Many others were injured in what was the deadliest school shooting since 2018.

According to friends and family, Myre was a hero and sacrificed his life to protect his friends.

IN REMEMBRANCE: Shoulder to shoulder, they came to say goodbye to Tate Myre

Admired by his teammates and opposing coaches alike, Myre was invited to go on recruiting visits to MSU. He was a linebacker and running back, and was posthumously named All-North Second Team by the Free Press last week.

During his news conference Wednesday announcing the 2022 class, Tucker said he saw Myre play this season against West Bloomfield, and wrote his name down after seeing Myre "take off running and no one could catch him." Tucker said he ran it by Myre's family to recognize him as the first signee.

SPARTANS: Meet Michigan State's 2022 recruiting class: What to like about each player

"The Myres are very loyal people,” said his wrestling coach Ross Wingert. “Tate Myre keeps his word. He is probably the most amazing kid I've ever been around. I was very, very lucky to have been around with him."

Myre, who made varsity his freshman year, wore No. 42 — a high honor in Oxford.

“In Oxford it’s like — Prescott Line wore it, Zach Line wore it — so like with Michigan and No. 1, that’s how it is in Oxford,” Rochester Adams coach Tony Patritto said.

Tucker said his heart goes out to all those hurt by the shooting and MSU will continue to support the community in any way it can.

MSU last week hosted Oxford athletes on a visit.

"Tate Myre had an unmatched work ethic, athleticism, and love for his teammates," Tucker said. "His 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.

"Tate is and always will be a Spartan Dawg."

Free Press sports writers Jeff Seidel and Mick McCabe contributed to this report.

Contact Emma Stein: estein@freepress.com.

This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Michigan State names Tate Myre honorary member of recruiting class