The Cyclone football team will be without its single-season touchdown leader for much of the offseason.

Iowa State standout receiver Todd Blythe will have surgery this month after injuring the anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee. The injury occurred during an individual workout last week.

Blythe will miss spring practice, but will be ready for two-a-day practices this fall, according to a press release.

“Todd is dealing with this really well,” ISU head coach Dan McCarney said in the release.

“He is a hard worker and will be ready to go full speed when fall practice begins.”

Blythe and quarterback Bret Meyer are expected to lead the Cyclones in defense of their Big 12 North co-championship.

“I am going to do everything I need to do to be ready for two-a-days,” Blythe said. “Like everyone else, I’m looking forward to the upcoming season.”

Blythe caught 39 passes last season, taking nine to the house for touchdowns.

He was named a freshman All-American by The Sporting News after finishing second among the nation’s freshmen in yard per reception with a 21.4-yard average per catch.

— Grant Wall