McKenzie Milton signs with FSU

UPDATE

McKenzie Milton made things official, signing with the Florida State Seminoles.

“We are fired up to have McKenzie joining our program,” head coach Mike Norvell said. “He is a proven leader who will help us continue to establish a culture of excellence in everything we do here at Florida State. I have seen first-hand McKenzie’s talent, competitive drive and leadership skills which will be incredibly valuable to our team on and off the field. His return from injury has been an inspiration to so many people, and we are looking forward to his next chapter here in Tallahassee.”

“Florida State speaks for itself,” Milton said. “When you hear FSU and see the Garnet and Gold, that’s something that is rich in history and great players, both past and present. It’s a school you dream about going to as a kid. Getting that opportunity as a 23-year-old man is a perfect way to end my college career.

“I have a tremendous amount of respect for Coach Norvell from competing against him and then getting to know him better throughout this process, and I’m extremely grateful to have the opportunity to play for him and Coach Dillingham. This is a great opportunity to play at the highest level and be around some great teammates and great players at the same time.

“The process of competing for championships starts now, and I know it’s not going to be easy, but I’m excited for this next chapter. I’m looking forward to being part of the quarterback room and supporting Jordan, Chubba and Tate. They’re going to push me to get better and I’m going to push them to get better. We’re going to hold each other accountable to do the work it takes. Just like at UCF, FSU is going to get my best effort in and out of the locker room. I couldn’t think of a better place to be than FSU.”

On December 3rd former UCF quarterback McKenzie Milton announced that he was entering the portal and would spend his final year of eligibility elsewhere. It didn’t take long for him to make a decision. As first reported by ESPN’s Andrea Adelson:

The 2x AAC player of the year is transferring to Florida State.

Before suffering a devastating injury in 2018 Milton was a prolific passer at UCF. Throwing for almost 8,700 passing yards and 72 touchdowns in 33 career games while adding an additional 1,000 yards gained on the ground & 20 rushing touchdowns. If there weren’t any lingering questions about his health he’d be the most sought after recruit in the portal.

Milton was cleared for football activities in the late spring of 2020 and ran UCF’s scout team this fall. Reportedly he looked good doing it: (should probably hit mute before playing the clip)

With Milton now in the fold FSU’s quarterback room features two freshman in Chubba Purdy (recovering from injury) and Tate Rodemaker with returning starter redshirt sophomore Jordan Travis. Due to covid no player that has participated in sports this fall will lose a year of eligibility for it; it’s essentially a free year.

What looked like a potential weakness with the de-commitment of Luke Altmyer now looks like a major strength. A returning starter, a graduate transfer with health questions yet an impeccable resume and two talented freshmen with 5 to play 4 in terms of eligibility that have already spent a year in your system.