Rutgers DT LeGrand paralyzed after tackle

Rutgers defensive tackle Eric LeGrand was paralyzed below the neck after making a tackle during Saturday's game against Army and will remain hospitalized for the near future.

Coach Greg Schiano said Sunday that LeGrand was resting in the intensive care unit at Hackensack University Medical Center. He had emergency surgery overnight to stabilize his spine after making the tackle at New Meadowlands Stadium.

"Eric's spirits were as good as you can expect," said Schiano, who visited with him before and after surgery. "He was cognizant of me being there, his mom, everybody. He's a fighter."

Schiano, who had tears in his eyes during his news conference after Rutgers' 23-20 overtime win, talked to his team about LeGrand at about noon yesterday. "As I talked to our team, we're just going to believe that Eric LeGrand is going to walk onto that field again with us," Schiano said. LeGrand was hurt with 5:10 to play in the fourth quarter against Army when he tackled Malcolm Brown on a kickoff return after Rutgers tied the score at 17.

The resident of Avenel, N.J., who played at Colonia High School - just 15 minutes from Rutgers Stadium in Piscataway - appeared to duck his head while making the hit.

The junior lay on the turf for at least five minutes while medical and emergency personnel treated him and players on both teams took a knee and watched.

"They were very, very efficient," Schiano said of the medical staff that treated the 6-3, 230-pound LeGrand on the field.

LeGrand was a member of the football team's leadership council for two years. Schiano said LeGrand is known for his work ethic and the way he cares for other players. Several players visited the hospital and spent time with his mother.

"He's got a new set of challenges in front of him," Schiano said. "There's not a doubt in my mind that Eric LeGrand is going to look these challenges right in the eye, like he has all the rest of them, and he's going to overcome them."