Eric LeGrand to lead Rutgers out of tunnel
FILE - In this April 30, 2011, file photo, former Rutgers Rutgers football defensive tackle Eric LeGrand, center, visits defensive back Wayne Warren (27) on the sidelines before Rutgers' Scarlet White spring NCAA college football game in Piscataway, N.J. Credit: AP
Eric LeGrand will be back on the field Saturday, leading Rutgers' football team out of the tunnel before it attempts to upset visiting Big East rival West Virginia.
LeGrand, the Rutgers defensive tackle who was paralyzed while making a tackle on a kickoff in a game against Army a year ago, now gets around in a wheelchair. He confirmed Wednesday that in an attempt to give his 5-2 team an emotional lift before its biggest game of the season, he will lead out the Scarlet Knights for pregame introductions.
"I'm excited about that," LeGrand said. "It's going to be great."
LeGrand said his recovery has been progressing. Next month, he is scheduled to begin an intense, five-day-a-week rehabilitation schedule. He is continuing to take classes at Rutgers, and he has been working as an analyst on the Rutgers radio network.
"I think everything happens for a reason," LeGrand said. "I'm working hard to get back. I hope the next time I come out on the field, I will be walking."
