"This small gesture is the least we could do to recognize his character, spirit and perserverance. The way Eric lives his life epitomizes what we are looking for in Buccaneer Men," Schiano said.

Schiano, who of course coached LeGrand in college, said "I couldn't help but think that this should've been Eric's draft class" and wanted to make the signing.

LeGrand suffered fractures of two vertebrae and a serious spinal cord injury in a game Oct. 16, 2010 against Army.

He resumed breathing on his own just five weeks later.

Later, he even became able to stand upright with the help of a metal frame. He was able to join his fellow seniors on the field for Senior Day.

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