CLEVELAND — Kent State football player Jason Bitsko, who was slated to start at center for the Golden Flashes this season, died Wednesday.

Police believe he passed away from an undetermined medical issue, the school said. The school said in a release the 21-year-old Bitsko was found unresponsive in the bedroom of his off-campus apartment shortly before 9 a.m.

When Bitsko failed to show up at practice, calls were placed to Bitsko’s roommate, who called 911 after finding Bitsko in his bed. Brimfield Police arrived on the scene within three minutes of the call.

Bitsko was in his fourth year with the Golden Flashes. He started all 12 games in 2013, and received an award during this year’s spring game for “exemplifying hard work and dedication.”

“Kent State University and the entire Kent community mourns his passing,” said athletic director Joel Nielsen.