After suffering a catastrophic knee injury that sidelined quarterback McKenzie Milton for nearly two seasons, the redshirt senior is another step closer to making his long-awaited return after being medically cleared.
ESPN’s Andrea Adelson spoke with Milton about his rehabilitation process and what it’s like to be back on the field under center with UCF’s scout team.
In August, Milton’s mom posted that he’s heading into a new phase of recovery and that he’s “all the way back to great health,” after seeing his surgeon in Minneapolis.
Milton told Adelson that hearing his doctors tell him he would be able to play football again was a significant step in his recovery process.
“Hearing those words after a year and three-quarters, I’m just really grateful for all the help I’ve had with the medical staff, and obviously the healing hands of God, lots of prayers from Knight Nation and all across the world,” Milton told Adelson. “I’m grateful for that, but I’m not satisfied. I’m going to continue to rehab and get better.”
After nearly having a leg amputated, Milton said he is determined to suit back up for the Knights this season by any means necessary. The QB has been taking snaps with the scout team, and on Tuesday, Milton posted a short clip of what appears to him running the field.
“This is the most fun I’ve had in two years, being out there with the guys, going up against some good competition and lighting a fire under their butt,” Milton told Adelson. “I’m making throws on the move, I’m changing direction not thinking twice about it. I feel normal.”
Milton also expressed his perspective towards the remainder of his journey.
“My plan for this year is to continue to rehab and if my number’s called, my number’s called,” he said. “But I’m going to continue down the path and be the best teammate I can.”
Milton told Adelson it has been fun watching UCF sophomore quarterback Dillon Gabriel take the reins and lead the Knights, but said it does get hard not playing at times.
“We’re 2-2. We’ve got to shake back and try to get in the race to win our conference. I’m going to do my best to get our scout team rolling and get our defense some good looks and continue to help the guys in the quarterback room,” Milton told Adelson. “I’d love to play, but DG’s rolling so that’s our guy. We’re going to keep rolling with him.”
Milton said he knows his time will come, one way or the other.
“[I’m] just staying patient, working on my craft getting better each day,” Milton said.
