Pitt's James Conner diagnosed with Hodgkin lymphoma

Pitt running back James Conner has been diagnosed with Hodgkin lymphoma, he announced Friday at a press conference.

Conner said he will begin chemotherapy Tuesday and undergo treatments every two weeks for six months.

The junior missed most of 2015 with a torn MCL and there was some speculation he would enter the NFL draft. Conner said he will return to Pitt when healthy and hopefully return to the field. His doctor indicated the cure rate is 85-95 percent.

"We're going to fight this, we're going to beat this thing," Conner said. He added, "I know there's a lot of young kids who have cancer and look up to me. I'm ready to face this challenge."

Head coach Pat Narduzzi was on hand to voice his support for Conner.

"Cancer started the fight and James is going to finish it," Narduzzi said.

Conner rushed for 1,765 yards with 26 touchdowns last year and is considered one of the top backs in the nation.