GREENVILLE, N.C. -- East Carolina has added former Minnesota quarterback Philip Nelson as a walk-on.

Coach Ruffin McNeill announced the addition of four walk-ons, including Nelson, after the Pirates held their first preseason practice Thursday night.

Nelson, who was the Gophers' starting quarterback in 2012 and 2013, transferred to Rutgers in January 2014 but was dismissed after being involved in a fight outside a nightclub in Mankato, Minnesota, in May 2014.

Nelson was accused of kicking Isaac Kolstad, a former Minnesota State player, in the head after Kolstad was punched during the fight. Kolstad suffered a serious brain injury.

Nelson pleaded guilty to misdemeanor fifth-degree assault. He was sentenced to 100 hours of community service but avoided jail time.

Nelson threw for 2,179 yards and 17 touchdowns at Minnesota.