I had my port removed in November, 2013, following four rounds of aggressive chemotherapy. The only thing I wanted to do at the time was get to the gym and run off all the stress from the months prior, which I did. A lot. And it was an incredible feeling.

So I can attest to Auburn freshman Tashawn Manning’s obvious excitement to begin “real” workouts starting Monday.

Manning, a class of 2016 signee who was diagnosed with promyelocytic leukemia last November, had his port removed this morning and after months of treatment, is one step closer to enrolling at the university and working his way back to his normal, football-playing health.

“I’ve got to wait at least a week, to get my port removed — that’s the thing in my chest,” Manning said on July 12, according to 247Sports. “Once I get that out, my dad has gotten me a personal trainer. I’m going to be doing heavy lifting, trying to get back so I’m ready before I go to Auburn.”

Before treatment began, Manning scaled at 6-foot-4, 270 pounds. He has since dropped 60 pounds due to treatment, which is quite normal for someone in his particular circumstance. (I dropped 30 pounds but was nowhere near his stature/physical condition.)

In short, this is a big accomplishment for Manning, who was a three-star prospect and the No. 49 defensive tackle in his class during high school recruitment.

Congratulations, Tashawn. Now go eat plenty of Baconators.