Pitt to honor injured Rutgers player

Pitt will honor a Rutgers football player before the two football teams square off at Heinz… Pitt will honor a Rutgers football player before the two football teams square off at Heinz Field this Saturday.

The Pitt Athletic Department made a banner for Rutgers defensive lineman Eric LeGrand, who was paralyzed below the neck while trying to make a play during the Scarlet Knights’ game against Army on Saturday.

An Athletic Department spokeswoman was not sure last night when the banner, which reads “Pitt is pulling for Eric LeGrand,” will go on display. It will appear first in the Petersen Events Center, then at the William Pitt Union before moving near the student section at Heinz Field for Saturday’s game.

Members of the Pitt community are encouraged to sign the banner.

“This was a very, very unfortunate injury,” Pitt head coach Dave Wannstedt said. “I corresponded with [Rutgers coach] Greg Schiano and let him know that, from our team and players, our thoughts and prayers are with Eric.”