UCF quarterback McKenzie Milton suffered a nerve injury in his right leg and will have reconstructive surgery on his knee at a later date, according to a statement released by his parents via Tampa General Hospital Tuesday afternoon.

Here is the statement in its entirety.

“On behalf of our son, McKenzie Milton, and our family, we want to thank the doctors and nurses at Tampa General Hospital and the University of South Florida and UCF medical staff and athletic trainers for their teamwork and prompt attention to McKenzie’s injuries. His blood flow has been restored to his right leg and his nerve is injured but intact. He is recovering and healing and is receiving the best medical care. At a later time, he will have reconstructive surgery to repair his knee. That date has not been determined at this time. McKenzie and our entire family are so touched and grateful for the prayers, support, and well wishes. McKenzie is in good spirits and has a very positive attitude. He looks forward to cheering on his teammates in their quest for another conference championship this Saturday. At this time, McKenzie would like to maintain his privacy to get the proper rest, medical care, and healing before he grants any interviews. We appreciate everyone’s understanding of this request. Knight Nation is part of our Ohana and we feel very blessed as a family. Aloha. Mark & Teresa Milton.”

Milton suffered an injury to his right leg during the first half of UCF’s win over South Florida on Friday. The junior was transported to Tampa General Hospital and underwent emergency surgery.

According to the statement, doctors at Tampa General were able to restore blood flow in his right leg and he will undergo a second reconstructive surgery to repair his knee.

Milton's mother, Teresa, posted on Twitter Tuesday morning that her son is "in good spirits" and has "overcome some hurdles already". Additionally, Ms. Milton shared that McKenzie has even gone as far to helping the Knights prepare for Saturday's matchup against Memphis in the American Athletic Conference Championship game.

Good Morning Knight Nation. Thank you for the out pour of prayers and well wishes ! KZ is in good spirits and has over come some hurtles already ! Today he is on line helping his team prep for Victory on Sat! Please not an empty seat ! Fill the Bounce house! Be There ! — TeresaMilton (@milton6teresa) November 27, 2018

Milton has been active on his personal social media posting on Instagram. According to Ms. Milton, it is unlikely that McKenzie will make an appearance at Saturday's game as doctors have advised that "is too risky", but there is a chance the quarterback could make an appearance on the video board via FaceTime.

I am very positive he won’t make the game Dr’s and Trainers advice to Riskey. First thing he asked .. my son the gamer !Maybe the Face Time idea would be ok if he is up for it I will ask him today. He has a lot more recovery ahead . — TeresaMilton (@milton6teresa) November 27, 2018

40,000 Hawaiin leis to be distributed on Saturday

Support for McKenzie has poured in via social media and fans have taken action to show their support for the quarterback on Saturday. UCF fans have decided to honor the Hawaii native by wearing leis.

Late Friday night and into the weekend sales for black and gold Hawaiin leis spiked as Oriental Trading Company, a merchant of value-priced party supplies, arts and crafts, toys and novelties and school supplies, was sold-out of the leis.

These black and yellow leis are about $7 for a dozen. Lets wear them Saturday to show KZ that he is with us.



Ohana means no one left behind. https://t.co/cPaeTE8SAY — UCF Knights Watch (@UCFKnightsWatch) November 24, 2018

The movement started on Twitter and now UCF Athletics has joined in, announcing Tuesday it partnered with Global Promo and owner and UCF alumnus Sanjay Sam Srinivasan to distribute 40,000 Hawaiin leis at the stadium Saturday.

“Global Promo and owner Sanjay Sam Srinivasan deserve a huge thank you for donating a large number of these leis,” UCF Vice President and Director of Athletics Danny White said in the release. “Sanjay is a UCF alumnus and season ticket-holder and he was integral in helping us put this together. The UCF Student Government Association generously donated a number of leis, as well. Our students have been incredible supporters of the team all season and they continue to do so through this gesture.”

Knights feel confident with Mack stepping into starting role

With Milton out at quarterback, Darriel Mack will start at quarterback for the Knights.

Mack played against East Carolina when Milton sat out the game due to an apparent shoulder injury. Although he has game time experience, playing in a conference championship is a higher level of football. Despite this, UCF feels confident with Mack leading the way.

"D.J. threw the ball really well the other night," said head coach Josh Heupel. "We've got to make some plays. 10 other guys around him have to play at a high level. Not anything extraordinary. Play at their best. D.J. has got to make a couple throws that he can make. We have complete confidence in him as a passer. Have complete confidence in him in what we're doing offensively. Our playbook is wide open. We don't change anything that we're doing. The plays we ran with him the other night were the same things we had in the game plan for McKenzie."

According to Heupel, the fast-paced tempo that the Knights play under each game will remain the same.

"We'll play with tempo still. We won't change anything with D.J. at the helm," said Heupel.

Offensive tackle Wyatt Miller wants to make sure Mack will have plenty of time to throw the ball and discussed the importance of a strong offensive line performance against Memphis.

"I think this game is on our shoulders," Miller said. "Our offense goes as we (the offensive line) go. This week is no different. It's a different guy back there, but it's still the same. We want to give him plenty of time to throw the ball. We want to open up running lanes so he and Greg (McCrae) and whoever else is back there has plenty of time. It's the same mentality. We want to walk out of that game with (Mack) not having any grass on his jersey."