McKenzie Milton suffers nerve damage, needs reconstructive knee surgery

The family of University of Central Florida quarterback McKenzie Milton have revealed new details about the extent of the player's injury.

Milton is recovering at Tampa General Hospital from a leg injury that took him out of the UCF game against rival school University of South Florida Friday night. UCF head coach Josh Heupel described the injury as "traumatic."

In an official statement released Tuesday, Milton's family said blood flow has been restored to his right leg. While Milton's official diagnosis has not been released, his family said his nerve has been injured and that he will need reconstructive surgery on his right knee.

Milton is awake and in good spirits, according to his family. His mother tweeted that Milton was online and communicating with teammates about their game Saturday against Memphis for the American Athletic Conference championship. Redshirt freshman Darriel Mack Jr. will start at quarterback for the Knights.

UCF fans plan to honor Milton, who is from Hawaii, by wearing leis to the Saturday game. Milton's parents said in the statement that both the gesture and all the support the player has received have not gone unnoticed.

"Knight Nation is part of our ohana and we feel very blessed as a family," Mark and Teresa Milton said.