Eric LeGrand All the Motivation Rutgers Needs vs. West Virginia

Former Rutgers defensive tackle Eric LeGrand, who was paralyzed from the neck down after colliding with an Army player on Oct. 16, 2010, will lead the Scarlet Knights out of the tunnel and onto the field in their pivotal matchup against No. 25 West Virginia on Saturday.

LeGrand, who suffered two fractured vertebrae from the collision, has been rehabilitating for months at Kessler Institute for Rehabilitation in Mechanicsburg, Penn. He remarkably regained feeling throughout his body and movement in his shoulders in January, and his comeback story has captured the nation.

LeGrand will lead Rutgers out of the tunnel before kickoff at 3:30 p.m. EDT at High Point Solutions Stadium in Piscataway, and the news gripped the Scarlet Knights.

Said defensive end Justin Francis, via the New Jersey Star-Ledger:

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"What? Man, that's going to mean a lot. I didn't even know that. I'm in shock right now. It's going to be a great feeling. I can't wait to see him.''

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Said linebacker Khaseem Greene:

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"For that to be happening is amazing. It's going to be a real good feeling. Some of the strides he's making are very inspirational. A guy who can't play football right now but is so positive, the energy, everything. He's the same old Eric we knew before the injury.''

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LeGrand currently serves as an analyst for Rutgers Radio Network and will resume his broadcasting duties after leading the Scarlet Knights out of the tunnel.

Rutgers (5-2, 2-1 Big East) has rebounded this season after a 4-8 record in 2010 and currently is leading the Big East, along with West Virginia, in the quest for a BCS spot.

They've done so with a defense allowing just 16.0 points per game and an offense sporting star receiver Mohamed Sanu, who continues to impress NFL scouts with 683 receiving yards and six touchdowns.

Last season, Rutgers lost to West Virginia in the last game of the season, 35-14. Sanu was limited to just two catches for 14 yards in that game.

But Rutgers can take some solace in the fact that West Virginia just suffered its worst loss of the year, getting rolled over by Syracuse, 49-23. In that game, the Mountaineers' defense was picked apart, and it is allowing 25.4 points per game so far this season.

Rutgers can also take solace in the fact LeGrand will be by their side as he's always been—a beacon of inspiration for a team that has united a year later.