( CNN ) -- Rutgers quarterback Philip Nelson has been arrested and charged on suspicion of assault in southern Minnesota , authorities said Monday . He is suspected of attacking Isaac Kolstad , 24 , a former linebacker at Minnesota State University . Kolstad is in critical condition , his family said . Nelson , 20 , faces one count of first-degree assault and one count of third-degree assault , said Patrick McDermott , assistant Blue Earth County attorney . He was taken into custody early Sunday morning , according to a statement from Mankato , Minnesota , police . Officers found Kolstad near a downtown intersection . He was transported by ambulance to a local hospital . A Rutgers spokesman declined to comment on the case . `` We are in the process of gathering information on the situation and reserve comment until the legal process is complete , '' said Jason Baum . Nelson is a recent transfer to Rutgers . A native of Mankato , Minnesota , he played at the University of Minnesota , according to Rutgers ' website . Kolstad graduated from Minnesota State University in December . He suffered a severe head injury , according to a statement from his family . `` He is currently in critical condition and fighting for his life . He is young and strong , but the battle he has in front of him is enormous , '' it read . `` We do know that his brain did sustain permanent damage . We do not yet know to what extent and wo n't for many days . He is very sick . Please pray for Isaac and all of those involved . '' Kolstad was being treated at Mayo Clinic Health System in Mankato . A spokesman from there read reporters another statement Monday , on behalf of the victim 's family . `` Please keep in mind that behind the headlines , behind the police report and medical data , is a strong , caring man -- a man with an incredible faith in God , a loving husband , a father of two daughters , a son , a brother , a teammate and a friend , '' it read . Police have said they are looking for another person believed to have been involved in the assault . That suspect was identified as a white male in his early 20s . He was wearing jeans and a red T-shirt that was torn during the incident . Authorities released surveillance video and stills , showing a large number of people in the area of the assault , and are asking anyone with information to step forward . `` In order to ensure that justice is served , we need the public 's help , '' said Todd Miller , Mankato 's director of public safety . Accuser 's attorney asks Florida AG to look into Jameis Winston investigation . Ex-NFL star Darren Sharper charged with sexual assault in Arizona . CNN 's Kara Devlin contributed to this report .
NEW : Philip Nelson faces one count of 1st - degree assault , one count of 3rd - degree assault . NEW : Police are looking for another suspect , identified as a white male in his early twenties . NEW : Nelson is suspected of attacking a former student at Minnesota State University . NEW : Isaac Kolstad dies in December ; his family remembers him as a caring father .