Two of Kent State’s newest football players began their 2016 spring semester on Tuesday. Freshmen Justin Agner (Woodstock, Ga.) and Justin Rankin (Elyria, Ohio) will participate in spring practices in February and will be eligible to play in the upcoming 2016 season. Both will have four years of eligibility.

A dual-threat quarterback, Agner was a three-year starter at Woodstock High School. In 2014, he threw for over 2,000 yards and 14 touchdowns. He also ran for over 400 yards and nine touchdowns.

Agner was named Cherokee County Gridiron Club Offensive Player of the Year and competed in the Cherokee County School District Senior Bowl. He earned a spot on the 5-AAAAAA all-region first team.

“Justin (Agner) is a smart, mature quarterback that we’re expecting big things from,” Head Coach Paul Haynes said. “It’s good to get him in mid-year to learn all the verbiage. Our quarterback competition will be wide open.”

Rankin earned All-Ohio honors in each of his last three seasons at Elyria Catholic as both a standout running back and defensive back. During his senior season, he rushed for 15 touchdowns, topping his junior year mark of 13 scores on the ground. Also a weapon on special teams, Rankin had one punt return and two kick returns for touchdowns.

Last June, the two-sport star qualified for the finals of the 200-meter dash at the state track & field championships in Columbus. Later that day, he competed in the Lorain County Senior All-Star Game and was named Most Valuable Player after leading all rushers with 126 yards and a touchdown.

“Justin (Rankin) has been through some adversity and has stayed strong,” Haynes said of Rankin’s path to Kent State. “He’s very talented and hungry to prove himself.”

The Golden Flashes will announce the rest of its incoming 2016 class on National Signing Day (Feb. 3).