Report: Ex-Minnesota quarterback Philip Nelson to transfer to Rutgers

Philip Nelson passed for 1,306 yards and nine touchdowns while splitting time in 2013. (Michael Nelson/Getty Images)

Former Minnesota Gophers quarterback Philip Nelson will transfer to Rutgers, according to Bruce Feldman of CBS Sports.

Nelson reportedly also showed interest in Kansas State, San Jose State and Texas Tech.

Nelson passed for 1,306 yards and nine touchdowns while splitting time with Mitch Leidner in 2013. Nelson performed well in the Gophers' four-game Big Ten win streak in the second half of the year. His exit may have come as a result of him being pulled from the Texas Bowl after struggling early in the Gophers’ 21-17 loss to Syracuse. Leidner finished the game passing for 205 yards and two touchdowns.

In a statement, Nelson thanked the Minnesota football family for his time with the Gophers but said he was looking to play in a more pass-oriented system.

“I want to thank Coach Kill for the opportunity to play football at the University of Minnesota. I have the utmost respect for Coach Kill and what he’s done for this program. I also want to reach out to to all the great Minnesota fans that supported the football program and say thank you. Your effort makes a difference.

“For me, I am looking to play in a system that centers more around the pass game which utilizes my skill sets. I am excited to go out and meet with programs that match up with my talents.”

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Senior-to-be Gary Nova is the favorite to be Rutgers' starting quarterback. None of the Scarlet Knights' three other scholarship quarterbacks — Mike Bimonte, Blake Rankin and Chris Laviano — has taken a career snap.