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Eric LeGrand still in intensive care at Hackensack Medical Center

BY BOB HOLT

NEWJERSEYNEWSROOM.COM

Ben LaSala, Eric LeGrand's coach at Colonia High School in New Jersey told NJ.com, "He was trying to give me that smile. He was actually thanking people for coming to visit him. I mean, can you imagine?"

LaSala was visiting Rutgers defensive tackle Eric LeGrand, who was paralyzed below the neck after making a tackle during a game against Army Saturday. The injury was at the C3-C4 level of LeGrand's vertebrae, and emergency surgery was performed to stabilize his spine. LeGrand is in intensive care at Hackensack and is expected to remain there for the near future, according to a statement released by the Rutgers athletic department.

NorthJersey.com reports Coach Greg Schiano and athletic director Tim Pernetti spent the night at the hospital with LeGrand's parents, family and friends, and teammates who returned to northern New Jersey after they were bused back to campus following the game.

According to the Associated Press, Schiano said LeGrand's spirits were as good as can be expected, and he was cognizant of all of his visitors. Schiano, who had tears in his eyes during his press conference following Rutgers' 23-20 overtime win, talked to his team about LeGrand around noon on Sunday.

"We're just going to believe that Eric LeGrand is going to walk onto that field again with us," Schiano said. "We'll see with the speed of which that happens."

LeGrand was hurt with 5:10 to play in the fourth quarter against Army, making a violent tackle on Malcolm Brown on the kickoff return after Rutgers tied the game at 17. He appeared to duck his head while making the hit.

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The junior lay on the turf for at least 5 minutes while medical and emergency personnel treated him and players on both teams took a knee and watched. Army coach Rich Ellerson walked on the field at one point and put his hand on Schiano's shoulder to comfort him.

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

According to the Washington Post, his friends, family and teammates are hoping LeGrand, 20, will be the next Kevin Everett, the Buffalo Bills tight end who is walking again after suffering a serious spinal injury on a kickoff return in 2007.

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."

We want to say thank you to everyone for all of your prayers, kind words, and well wishes," the LeGrand family said in a statement, according to NJ.com. "We appreciate every single thought. Eric is in good spirits and we are praying for a full recovery."

You can send get well wishes to Eric LeGrand on the Rutgers football Scarlet Knights web site.