UCF Quarterback Injuries: A History of Setbacks and Resilience

The University of Central Florida (UCF) football program has a history marked by both triumph and adversity, with quarterback injuries often playing a significant role in shaping the team's trajectory. From season-ending blows to inspiring comebacks, the Knights have faced their share of challenges under center. This article delves into some notable instances of UCF quarterback injuries, examining their impact on the team and the resilience shown by the players involved.

Dillon Gabriel's Setback

Most recently, the UCF Knights faced a significant setback when their star quarterback, Dillon Gabriel, suffered a broken clavicle. The injury occurred on the final play of a game against Louisville. UCF (2-1) announced Saturday that Gabriel would not need surgery, but it gave no timetable for his return. The junior is one of the top quarterbacks in the country. He led the nation in yards passing last season and completed 68.7% of his passes for 814 yards and nine touchdowns.

The injury occurred as Gabriel attempted a desperation lateral play near his own end zone in the game's final seconds. He was slammed to the turf, impacting his left, throwing shoulder.

Following the game, head coach Gus Malzahn acknowledged Gabriel's competitive spirit and significance to the team. Gabriel had a strong performance prior to the injury, throwing for 188 yards and three touchdowns. He also showcased his versatility by catching a 20-yard touchdown pass on a trick play, making him only the second player in American Athletic Conference (AAC) history to achieve three or more passing touchdowns and one or more receiving touchdowns in a single game. In the three games of the season, he had thrown for 818 yards and nine touchdowns.

Impact on the Season

With Gabriel sidelined indefinitely, the immediate question was how this injury would impact UCF's season. Chris Vannini, a national college football writer, emphasized Gabriel's importance to the team's offensive scheme, highlighting his ability to both run and throw the ball.

The timing of the injury, just before a week off, provided the Knights with additional practice time to prepare a new starter. However, the schedule ahead included challenging matchups against Cincinnati, Memphis, Tulane, and SMU.

Replacements

Freshman Mikey Keene and Kentucky transfer Joey Gatewood emerged as the primary contenders to fill Gabriel's role. Keene, listed as the No. 2 quarterback on the depth chart, had limited experience with seven pass attempts. Gatewood, who previously played under Malzahn at Auburn, was known for his running ability.

Vannini suggested that if Gatewood were to take over, Malzahn might shift the offense towards a more run-heavy approach, similar to his strategy at Auburn. This would place greater emphasis on running backs Isaiah Bowser and Johnny Richardson.

Cam Fancher's Brief Appearance

In a more recent game, Cam Fancher, the redshirt senior quarterback, also faced an unfortunate injury. During the season opener against Jacksonville State, Fancher was on the receiving end of a forceful hit. The hit from Jacksonville State defensive back Tre'Quon Fegans resulted in a targeting call and an ejection.

Fancher did not return to the field after the incident. In his shortened appearance, Fancher completed five of his nine passes for 32 yards. Tayven Jackson stepped in behind center for the Knights and led them to a 17-10 victory.

McKenzie Milton's Career-Threatening Injury

One of the most well-known and impactful quarterback injuries in UCF history is that of McKenzie Milton. On November 23, 2018, during a game against the University of South Florida (USF), Milton suffered a severe leg injury that threatened not only his career but also his ability to walk again.

Milton, a three-star dual-threat quarterback from Mililani High School in Mililani, Hawaii, chose UCF because of new head coach Scott Frost. Milton started 10 games his freshman year leading the Knights to a 6-6 regular season record and an appearance in the Cure Bowl. The previous year, the Knights had gone 0-12. In his Sophomore year, Milton led the Knights to a 12-0 regular season record, winning the AAC and eventually the Peach Bowl against the SEC runner-up Auburn Tigers. Milton was named the AAC offensive player of the year. Milton was named one of the finalists for the 2017 Heisman Trophy and placed 8th in voting. Milton was named the offensive MVP in the 2018 Peach Bowl, Milton threw for two touchdowns and went 13/18 in the second half. He ended the game 16 of 35 with 242 yards, 2 touchdowns and no interceptions. Milton also excelled with his legs, picking up 116 yards on the ground and scoring a touchdown, which led all UCF rushers. This was UCF's first ever Peach Bowl win, and second New Year's Six win in four years.

The Injury

The injury occurred in the second quarter when Milton tucked the ball and ran on a third-down play. He was tackled by two USF players, resulting in a dislocated knee. The severity of the injury was immediately apparent, as his leg twisted and bent at an awkward angle.

The Raymond James Stadium crowd fell silent as Milton was carted off the field. Coach Josh Heupel expressed his love for Milton, while backup quarterback Darriel Mack Jr. reassured him that everything would be alright. The entire UCF bench emptied and knelt beside Milton, with the USF team also taking the field in a show of support.

Immediate Aftermath

Milton was rushed to Tampa General Hospital, where doctors discovered extensive damage to the arteries and nerves in his right knee. Emergency surgery was performed to restore arterial blood flow, involving the removal of the saphenous vein from his left leg and its transfer to the right leg.

Milton's father, Mark, reported that the surgery was successful in repairing his knee and other "internal issues." Despite the severity of the injury, Milton's teammates were determined to play for him.

Team Response

Running back Greg McCrae, who rushed for 181 yards and three touchdowns in the game, spoke about the emotional impact of Milton's injury on the team. He emphasized that Milton was not just a football player but a great person, and seeing him injured was devastating. The team rallied around the injury and used it as motivation to play for him.

Linebacker Nate Evans echoed McCrae's sentiments, describing Milton as the team's backbone and a source of upliftment for everyone. The team recognized that they had to play the game for McKenzie and were proud of their performance.

Impact on UCF's Season and National Perception

Milton's injury occurred towards the end of a season in which UCF had achieved a second consecutive undefeated regular season. Milton had thrown for 2,577 yards and 24 touchdowns in nine starts, while also rushing for 291 yards and nine touchdowns. His play was a major factor in UCF's streak of scoring at least 30 points in 24 straight games and their rise in the College Football Playoff (CFP) rankings.

At the time of the injury, UCF was ranked No. 9 in the CFP rankings, the highest position ever held by a Group of 5 member in the history of the CFP. CFP director Bill Hancock acknowledged that Milton's injury would be considered in the team's ranking.

Overcoming Adversity

Milton faced numerous challenges and setbacks during his recovery. He had to undergo two subsequent operations due to an infection. In an interview, Milton revealed that he woke up with "searing pain" in the rebuilt knee and was unable to walk. He underwent immediate surgery to prevent the loss of cadaver tissue used in the initial reconstruction.

Following that surgery, Milton had a peripherally inserted central catheter installed for daily antibiotics. However, an MRI revealed a pocket of pus behind the rebuilt knee, leading to another surgery near the start of the 2019 season. Milton estimated that the infection set his recovery back six months.

The Comeback

Milton's determination and perseverance led to an inspiring comeback. After multiple surgeries and extensive rehabilitation, he returned to the field on September 5, 2021, for his first game since the injury, playing for Florida State against Notre Dame. On his first throw, he threw a complete pass.

Legacy

Milton's impact extended beyond the football field. He was invited to the 2022 Hula Bowl All-star game, representing Team AINA as the starting quarterback. He also co-founded Dreamfield, a company specializing in booking live appearances for student-athletes, along with Miami quarterback D'Eriq King.

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