Iowa State defensive lineman Mitchell Meyers has been diagnosed with Hodgkin’s lymphoma, ISU coach Paul Rhoads announced Thursday.

Meyers, a redshirt junior from The Woodlands, Texas, has been preparing to begin treatment over the past few days, which he is scheduled to start Friday.

“Mitchell’s immediate health is our most important concern right now,” Rhoads said. “I have no doubt that Mitchell will attack this with a positive mindset and strong determination. He also will have 100 percent support from the Iowa State football family and Cyclone Nation.”

Meyers was one of only four Cyclones to start every game last season. He was named first-team Academic All-Big 12 this year for the second straight season and registered 30 tackles on the year, the third-best by an ISU down lineman.

Meyers started out the year as a defensive end, but eventually made the switch to defensive tackle due to personnel issues.

Iowa State team physician Dr. Marc Shulman noted that Meyers’ treatment program would last at least four months. He did, however, seem optimistic about the treatment process.

“Mitchell’s diagnosis is very treatable with a 90 percent curable rate,” Shulman said. “He is already in the process of beginning chemotherapy treatments. More positives for Mitchell is that he is in excellent shape and he has an outstanding support system surrounding him.”

Meyers released a statement Thursday saying that he will remain in Ames for his treatments, so that he can stay in school and be with his friends and teammates through the process.

“I want to thank everyone for the support and encouragement I have received,” Meyers said in the statement. “I am determined to embrace the process and fight this with a positive attitude … I have the greatest teammates in the world. It’s been humbling to see their care and words of encouragement.”

Meyers didn’t rule out returning to the football field one day, but that focusing on his health is the most important thing for him right now.