Back in the Game: Adrian Medley's remarkable return to starting lineup

Adrian Medley will be a key component of UCF's offense this season as the likely starter at left guard.

It's a remarkable turn of events considering he thought his career was in jeopardy around this time two years ago.

After two years in the program, which included a redshirt season in 2020 and his first meaningful playing reps in 2021, Medley was on track to break through with a starting position in 2022.

Then the unthinkable happened during the 2022 spring game.

"It was the last play of spring," Medley said. "I landed wrong and I tore my ACL, MCL and both my menisci in my knee. I thought (my career) was over.

"(I was thinking) I worked my butt off to get here. I'm about to start. My mind went blank. I didn't how I would get out of it, but I got out it thanks to God."

He underwent surgery and missed the entire 2022 season.

"It was tough for me," Medley said. "I helped my brothers out that year, trying to be a leader in the group. It hurts, but I tried to get healthy so I could be back."

A self-described "mama's boy," Medley credited his mother for encouraging him to stay strong while he recovered.

"I went to rehab every day so I could get my spot back," Medley said. "I came back (last summer) and got rolling after that."

Medley's first game was Sept. 16, starting against Villanova.

"It was joy," he said. "I was happy. Running out of the tunnel, I'm like, 'You got this Adrian.' Just go out there and play football."

He would suffer another setback in that game, a sprained ankle, though it was minor by comparison. He did miss a chunk of games during the middle of the year, eventually returning in November. He started the final five games against Cincinnati, Oklahoma State, Texas Tech, Houston and the Gasparilla Bowl vs. Georgia Tech.

Reflecting on his rehabilitation journey, Medley thanked his position coach Herb Hand as well as his teammate and roommate, Chidoziri Maghiro.

"(Maghiro) is like a brother to me," Medley said.

The offensive line must be united as one cohesive unit, so chemistry within the group is extremely important. Medley said he hosts cookouts at his home all the time.

"I cook ribs, macaroni and cheese, baked beans," Medley said. "I throw down in the kitchen."

Hand of course is the food king.

"He throws down on the grill too," Medley said.

They love his smoked queso.

"He cooks two of them and it's gone about as soon as we get there," Medley said. "No leftovers. You've got to be on time to get that queso."

Medley is looking forward to playing with KJ Jefferson at quarterback. He's a great guy off the field too.

"KJ is a funny guy," Medley said. "He loves to compete. You can talk to him about real-life stuff. He's not a cocky guy. He leads you in the right direction. I love KJ."

Several players have impressed him through the early practices, including freshman wide receiver Bredell Richardson, center Caden Kitler and fellow guard Cam Kinnie. Defensive tackle Lee Hunter has improved a lot also.

The expectation is a Big 12 Championship.

"I'm ready," Medley said. "I'm ready to start this off right. We've got a lot of transfers, but we're all coming together. It's like we've known each other for a long time. We're ready to compete."