Former Gophers and Rutgers quarterback Philip Nelson plans to restart his college football career this fall at South Alabama, his father said in an e-mail Thursday.
Nelson played 19 games for the Gophers between 2012 and 2013 before transferring to Rutgers in search of a more pass-oriented offense. Rutgers kicked Nelson off its team last May after he was involved in a fight that left former Minnesota State Mankato player Isaac Kolstad with brain injuries.
Initially charged with two felonies – first and third-degree assault – Nelson eventually pled guilty to a fifth-degree assault misdemeanor and was sentenced to 100 hours of community service. He had considered transferring to Fresno State before a delay in the sentencing process last winter.
Nelson still has two years of eligibility remaining and can compete this fall.
South Alabama, which is located in Mobile, established its football program in 2009 and gained full Football Bowl Subdivision (Division-IA) status in 2013. (Corrected from earlier version.)
The Jaguars, of the Sun Belt Conference, went 6-7 last season, losing to Bowling Green in the Camellia Bowl. Their non-conference schedule this fall includes games at Nebraska, San Diego State and North Carolina State.
