Eric LeGrand will speak at the Rutgers University commencement ceremony after all, but in addition to the former N.J. governor the school already tabbed.

According to USA Today, Robert Barchi, the university president, said LeGrand was not meant to be the lone speaker when he extended the invitation. He was sorry for the "miscommunication."

"Eric LeGrand will speak at our Commencement and personally receive his degree from me as a representative of the Class of 2014," Barchi wrote in a statement on the school's website. "Eric holds a special place in the hearts of the Class of 2014 and the entire university community. We are thrilled that he will be joining us on stage to make this special occasion even more memorable."

LeGrand is a former defensive tackle on the Rutgers football team who was paralyzed from the neck down in a game in 2010. During his rehabilitation process, he took online courses and has finally finished his degree. He will receive his labor relations degree May 17, then participate in the ceremony the next day.

He told NJ.com Barchi's chief of staff invited him to deliver the commencement address Saturday night, in the wake of Condoleezza Rice declining the invite. On Monday evening, LeGrand said athletic director Julie Hermann called him to withdraw the invite. The former football player, who has delivered numerous speeches from his wheel chair said he was "hurt" and wanted an explanation.

Pete McDonough, vice president for public affairs at Rutgers, told USA Today Barchi acted quickly to book former N.J. Gov. Tom Kean as Rice's replacement commencement speaker.

"As Dr. Rice was pulling out, Gov. Kean's name emerged rather quickly as a potential speaker," McDonough said. "His name came up, it received general acclaim and Bob just reached out to him. Was there a formal board process? No, but the board leadership was consulted and agreed to it."

It is unclear then why LeGrand was even extended an invite, but he has been an inspirational figure to the Rutgers community and beyond. Receiving his degree will be a significant moment during the ceremony.