KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — On Dec. 17, 2015, a gunshot rocked the community.

Fulton High school students in Knoxville were enjoying going to their school’s basketball game and hanging out following the end of their fall semester and the beginning of Christmas break.

Then tragedy hit unexpectedly.

And a hero emerged: Zaevion Dobson.

Dobson was known as a sophomore football player for Fulton, but that night he shielded two high school friends from gunfire.

Dobson, 15 died while saving Faith Gordon, 17, and Kiara Rucker, 16, while the teens were walking home.

Dobson jumped on top of three girls to shield them from flying bullets, but lost his life in the act.

Since the tragedy, his heroism has been honored in many ways. The city displayed a mosaic of Dobson in the city-county building; President Barack Obama honored him, and the family received the Arthur Ashe Award for Courage at ESPN’s ESPY Awards. All have been great tributes.

Tennessee junior safety Todd Kelly Jr. wanted to add another.

Kelly announced he is changing his jersey number from 6 to 24 — Kelly’s number — for the 2016 season to honor his fellow Knoxvillian.

“I take great pride in wearing his number in honor of him just because he loved the game so much and he wanted to be a Division I football player,” Kelly told Saturday Down South. “I feel like me wearing his number, changing from No. 6 to No. 24, enables him and his legacy to live on.”

On Aug. 25, the Knoxville Police Department announced that two individuals, Christopher Bassett and Richard Williams, were charged with first degree murder in Dobson’s death.

Zaevion’s mother, Zenobia, gave a statement to WATE in Knoxville on the charges.

“The Dobson Family would like to thank everyone who has assisted us with bringing justice to our family, said a kind word, made a sweet gesture or a compassionate phone call during our grieving process.

“The tragedy of a child’s death brings profound pain to all affected, and the effects of such a complicated and devastating tragedy can be further compounded when death continues to occur within the family.

“We are constantly reminded of Zaevion’s death, especially during this football season. When others see the #24 on jerseys, shirts, hats, pins or anything else, remember the joy of a young man who risked his life for others. He is our hero, brother, cousin, nephew, grandson and our son.

“We are forever grateful for all of the support; however, please keep in mind that grief doesn’t look the same for everyone. Continue to pray for our family, respect our privacy and allow us to heal and comfort one another during this transition. Thank You, Team Dobson Strong.”