Gholston Is Confident the Wait Is Finally Over

[Kentucky Jet]

Gholston Is Confident the Wait Is Finally Over

By GREG BISHOP

Published: August 28, 2010

EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. — At the beginning of his third N.F.L. season, Vernon Gholston has never felt so comfortable, aggressive, primed. When he acknowledged that late Friday, though, he leaned forward, eyes on his locker. He spoke firmly, but also sheepishly, as if he wanted to knock on wood.

This is not Gholston’s first trip down the avenue of expectations so far unfilled. He was the sixth overall pick in the 2008 N.F.L. draft, a nonfactor through two seasons, a college defensive end turned outside linebacker turned back into a defensive lineman in the spring.

Each year, the Jets predicted Gholston would break out — including this one. He has rewarded the franchise with 30 tackles — in two seasons.

Still, all parties think (again) that this year will be different, that the beast that seems so obvious in Gholston’s frame, with biceps that look like swollen grapefruit and a torso that resembles an oversize V, will finally emerge.

“I’ve got momentum,” Gholston said. “Now, it’s about putting it all together.”

The Jets had just lost, 16-11, to visiting Washington in their third preseason game when Gholston exited the showers behind most of his teammates. Earlier Friday, he recorded a quarterback hit and recovered a muffed punt, and added two tackles for good measure.

All preseason, HBO had featured Gholston as a story line on “Hard Knocks,” and this performance surely provided more fodder for next week’s episode. But it also came with a disclaimer in that the Jets, Coach Rex Ryan and Gholston have all claimed progress in seasons past. Yet here they are again, perhaps for the final time.

Gholston calmly traced the problems in his first two seasons. In his rookie year, he struggled adapting to the N.F.L. At Ohio State, he had dominated rushing quarterbacks from the end position, but the Jets preferred to work Gholston as a pass-rush specialist from outside linebacker.

In his second season, Ryan made Gholston his pet project, but even with Ryan’s defensive acumen, Gholston had little impact. Gholston said the new system and the new coaching staff delayed his progress.

In the spring, Ryan moved Gholston back to defensive end, which made sense for both parties. The Jets’ depth at that position remains thin, and Gholston seems to be more comfortable there.

“This year, I’m familiar with the system,” he said. “I know what’s going on. I’m playing with more confidence.”

Gholston said that started with a change in mind-set. He felt that he was still learning in previous seasons, which prohibited him from playing at full speed. This year, he decided to attack, no matter what.

Shaun Ellis, the longest-tenured Jet and the player Gholston sits behind on the depth chart, provided advice on different types of blocks by offensive tackles. Jason Taylor mentored Gholston on pass-rushing techniques, which is like getting a computer lesson from Paul Allen. Coaches helped, too, Ryan in particular.

The better Gholston played, the more people he heard from. They called him after “Hard Knocks” revealed that Ryan had engineered the fight between him and offensive lineman Rob Turner, the resident hockey goon. In that practice, the mild-mannered Gholston threw Turner to the ground like a paperweight. Gholston guessed Friday that his “super strength” had kicked in.

He remains an intriguing figure. Because of the bulging biceps. Because of the signs of progress. Because of Ryan’s influence. Because of the possibilities, as always.

Gholston approached the Jets this off-season and volunteered to take a pay cut. Now, with linebacker Calvin Pace expected to miss what Ryan predicted would be a few weeks with a foot injury, Gholston could see time at his old position and his new one.

Regardless, he does not plan to back down. Not to Turner, not to increased expectations, not to anyone. Again.

[T0mShane]

He's a joke. I watched him every play he was in on Friday. He bull rushes and quits. Even on the rare play he gets penetration, he stops running and just sort of jogs toward the play. I saw that time and again. He just quits, even when the back of the QB is still holding the ball five yards away from him.

[Larz]

please god let him contribute

[Smashmouth]

Will this bullsh*t ever end ? This guy still sucks and still cant make big plays in the preseason. He had a game where he made a few tackles like football players are supposed to do and now hes all of a sudden breaking out.

This guy is a pile of sh*t and always will be. Hes the first player Ive seen who can get people pumped up for making insignifigant tackles this guy has had 2 (count em TWO) tackle behind the Line of scrimmage in his entire career and both came in t preseason. One last year and one this year.

This guy is the absolute worst football player I have ever seen.

[bitonti]

He's a joke. I watched him every play he was in on Friday. He bull rushes and quits. Even on the rare play he gets penetration, he stops running and just sort of jogs toward the play. I saw that time and again. He just quits, even when the back of the QB is still holding the ball five yards away from him.

he did have a QB hurry against Skins it's not all terrible.

with Pace out the Jets better hope Gholston is coming this year. VG's very solid against the run.

I've always had some faith that his natural abilities will lead to production at some point. YEar 3 is about when these things happen.

[T0mShane]

he did have a QB hurry against Skins it's not all terrible.

with Pace out the Jets better hope Gholston is coming this year. VG's very solid against the run.

I've always had some faith that his natural abilities will lead to production at some point. YEar 3 is about when these things happen.

Bro, perfect example: On one play, lined up at end, he splits a double team--has a tackle held off with one arm and the guard pinned back with the other arm (just rag-dolled them), gets the penetration, then jogged two steps forward and stopped, like he couldn't believe he got through. Stopped. Massive athletic skills, zero desire. Zero.

[bitonti]

Bro, perfect example: On one play, lined up at end, he splits a double team--has a tackle held off with one arm and the guard pinned back with the other arm (just rag-dolled them), gets the penetration, then jogged two steps forward and stopped, like he couldn't believe he got through. Stopped. Massive athletic skills, zero desire. Zero.

a hurry that results in an incompletion is a positive play for the defense.

Vernon Gholston is the least of this team's problems. even losing Pace and Pitoitua and no Revis, im not that worried about the D.

Sanchez throwing pick 6's to deangelo hall and every other preseason team is way more worry-some.

VG is a solid dude not #6 overall awesome but hes a football player.

[T0mShane]

a hurry that results in an incompletion is a positive play for the defense.

Vernon Gholston is the least of this team's problems. even losing Pace and Pitoitua and no Revis, im not that worried about the D.

Sanchez throwing pick 6's to deangelo hall and every other preseason team is way more worry-some.

VG is a solid dude not #6 overall awesome but hes a football player.

If you're saying he's not an outright liability on the football field, I might agree with you. But he's a bust. He might not be worth the minimum salary.

[Jetsfan80]

a hurry that results in an incompletion is a positive play for the defense.

Vernon Gholston is the least of this team's problems. even losing Pace and Pitoitua and no Revis, im not that worried about the D.

Sanchez throwing pick 6's to deangelo hall and every other preseason team is way more worry-some.

VG is a solid dude not #6 overall awesome but hes a football player.

You keep saying he's not our "biggest problem", Bit, but the thing is, if Gholston were anything close to the prospect he was coming out of college, then we wouldn't have a massive need to improve our defensive line this coming offseason. As it stands, with Shaun Ellis retiring/signing elsewhere, NO ONE in the front office is about to even suggest the possibility of going into 2011 with DeVito and Gholston as our two DE's.

Along with that, having Gholston even playing SOLID football would make us miss Revis that much less.

[Kentucky Jet]

a hurry that results in an incompletion is a positive play for the defense.

Vernon Gholston is the least of this team's problems. even losing Pace and Pitoitua and no Revis, im not that worried about the D.

Sanchez throwing pick 6's to deangelo hall and every other preseason team is way more worry-some.

VG is a solid dude not #6 overall awesome but hes a football player.

I see your point about SANCHEZ. I know that I have disagreed with you about his rate of development, but I have seen the light! the guy does not seem to be learning from his mistakes. he still does not look off defenders and he has too much faith in his arm. He throws into traffic and lets face it, while his arm is adequate its not a cannon. He needs to develop more touch and stop trying to beat double teams with his arm.He has to use his head more.

Re : Gholston I did not focus too much on his play vs the Skins but the little I saw of him, I liked. I thought he showed intensity and hitting ability in addition to decent range and speed. This is the make or break year!

[visajets]

i support VG 100% and hope he plays up to his potential. and I still got an authentic VG #56 size xxl 4 sale. Best offer.

[Jetsfan80]

i support VG 100% and hope he plays up to his potential. and I still got an authentic VG #56 size xxl 4 sale. Best offer.

If you support him 100 %, why are you selling his jersey?

[visajets]

If you support him 100 %, why are you selling his jersey?

Ahhh he changed numbers to #50.. Do you even watch the NYJETS or have any knowledge of whats going on?

[Jetsfan80]

Ahhh he changed numbers to #50.. Do you even watch the NYJETS or have any knowledge of whats going on?

Vernon Gholston is dead to me. He might as well wear the jersey number "666". F*** him.

[visajets]

Vernon Gholston is dead to me. He might as well wear the jersey number "666". F*** him.

Then you are obviously not a NYJET fan. Most if not all of us root for ALL NYJET players to excel and help are team WIN.

[Jetsfan80]

Then you are obviously not a NYJET fan. Most if not all of us root for ALL NYJET players to excel and help are team WIN.

I've hoped for two years for Gholston to prove me wrong, but it isn't happening. He is hurting the team more than he helps. Since I root for the jersey, Gholston has no importance to me. Thanks for confirming to me that you are 12 years old, I always appreciate a "you're not a real fan" comment.

[visajets]

I've hoped for two years for Gholston to prove me wrong, but it isn't happening. He is hurting the team more than he helps. Since I root for the jersey, Gholston has no importance to me. Thanks for confirming to me that you are 12 years old, I always appreciate a "you're not a real fan" comment.

I wish I was 12 and besides 12 is way better than 2 like you. You have 0 knowledge of football. Take a hike.

[GodWearsAGrayHoodie]

Then you are obviously not a NYJET fan. Most if not all of us root for ALL NYJET players to excel and help are team WIN.

Yup. Fans root for laundry. My attitude is if your laundry has a pats logo on it I want you to succeed. I may not agree with every decision my team makes regarding the selecting of players by if they are on the team, I want them to be outstanding.

[visajets]

Yup. Fans root for laundry. My attitude is if your laundry has a pats logo on it I want you to succeed. I may not agree with every decision my team makes regarding the selecting of players by if they are on the team, I want them to be outstanding.

Exactly. Jetsfan80 better give up his stickets cause VG might have a good game when hes there and he would be upset...

[Vudu]

Gholston is a giant vagina. I have no faith in him

[GodWearsAGrayHoodie]

Exactly. Jetsfan80 better give up his stickets cause VG might have a good game when hes there and he would be upset...

Extremely low risk. Its VG were talking about.

[bitonti]

If you're saying he's not an outright liability on the football field, I might agree with you. But he's a bust. He might not be worth the minimum salary.

with Pito and Pace gone the Jets need Gholston right now. The team is not better off without him.

[stoicsentry]

He's a joke. I watched him every play he was in on Friday. He bull rushes and quits. Even on the rare play he gets penetration, he stops running and just sort of jogs toward the play. I saw that time and again. He just quits, even when the back of the QB is still holding the ball five yards away from him.

Two plays stood out to me. One was the fumble recovery, and it's never easy to recover a fumble in a crowd. Second was one where he overpursued, but then came back to deliver a pretty crushing hit on the ballcarrier for the tackle from the back.

[DireJet38]

The 1,000th it's-finally-gonna-click feature on Gohlston. A forest mourns.

[Smashmouth]

with Pito and Pace gone the Jets need Gholston right now. The team is not better off without him.

Yes it is. I would take anyone whos been cut from any other team at his position in place of him. Maybe someone who knows how to tackle. How this waste is still a member of this team is mind boggleing

[Smashmouth]

Two plays stood out to me. One was the fumble recovery, and it's never easy to recover a fumble in a crowd. Second was one where he overpursued, but then came back to deliver a pretty crushing hit on the ballcarrier for the tackle from the back.

LOL fumble recovery in a crowd ?? he was the only guy who saw the football. If other guys were diving for the ball he would have NEVER went for it the guy hates blind contact and seems more concerned with that than playing agressive thats why he stops in the rare occasion he slips a block. he is a pussy

[Apache 51]

LOL fumble recovery in a crowd ?? he was the only guy who saw the football. If other guys were diving for the ball he would have NEVER went for it the guy hates blind contact and seems more concerned with that than playing agressive thats why he stops in the rare occasion he slips a block. he is a pussy

I can take you to his house and you can tell him personally if you like.

[Smashmouth]

I can take you to his house and you can tell him personally if you like.

Whats that supposed to do ?? Scare me into thinking this clown can play football ?

[stoicsentry]

LOL fumble recovery in a crowd ?? he was the only guy who saw the football. If other guys were diving for the ball he would have NEVER went for it the guy hates blind contact and seems more concerned with that than playing agressive thats why he stops in the rare occasion he slips a block. he is a pussy

He still had to make the play, man. Not saying it's amazing but he still had to make the play. Last year he wouldn't have even done that.

[visajets]

LOL fumble recovery in a crowd ?? he was the only guy who saw the football. If other guys were diving for the ball he would have NEVER went for it the guy hates blind contact and seems more concerned with that than playing agressive thats why he stops in the rare occasion he slips a block. he is a pussy

This kind of post really gets my blood boiling. I think its ok to say a player sucks or hes done (Brunell) but to call a guy a pussy? And those who call professional athletes these types of names sitting in front of a computer most likely in their parents basement are really credable people. They probably never played a second of collegiate or professional sports let alone high school. I mean really guys give me a break.

[Smashmouth]

This kind of post really gets my blood boiling. I think its ok to say a player sucks or hes done (Brunell) but to call a guy a pussy? And those who call professional athletes these types of names sitting in front of a computer most likely in their parents basement are really credable people. They probably never played a second of collegiate or professional sports let alone high school. I mean really guys give me a break.

I played Plenty of football and I played it hard. SS in a run dominated time in Highschool (late 70's) I have the bulging disks in my neck and bad knees to remind me every day. When I hit someone they knew it that much I can promise you. Im not sitting in my parents basement. You judge me by not even knowing who I am and I judge Vernon Gholston by what is PLAIN AS DAY on the football field. You dont have to be a PRO to know the game trust me half the GM's in the NFL never even sniffed a football field including the one running your team, guess we better get him the hell out of here and throw him back to H&R Block preparing taxes.

[visajets]

I played Plenty of football and I played it hard. SS in a run dominated time in Highschool (late 70's) I have the bulging disks in my neck and bad knees to remind me every day. When I hit someone they knew it that much I can promise you. Im not sitting in my parents basement. You judge me by not even knowing who I am and I judge Vernon Gholston by what is PLAIN AS DAY on the football field. You dont have to be a PRO to know the game trust me half the GM's in the NFL never even sniffed a football field including the one running your team, guess we better get him the hell out of here and throw him back to H&R Block preparing taxes.

Ok thats fine but did you ever see VG play at Ohio State? Did you see what he accomplished there in the NCAA. You played high school football big deal. I mean really does it even remotely compare to the level of college or pro?

[Smashmouth]

Ok thats fine but did you ever see VG play at Ohio State? Did you see what he accomplished there in the NCAA. You played high school football big deal. I mean really does it even remotely compare to the level of college or pro?

I absolutely did see him play at Ohio State when he dissapeared for entire games or halves of games and I cringed on draft day when people had us taking him 6th over all. I'll bet you wanted us to draft him because he had 14 sacks right ? I watched him play in avout 4 games 2 of which I saw him in there yet never heard his name called once.

My football experience has nothing to do with being pro or collegiate level I know thegame. I can see a good football player and even more so I can see a really BAD one as they stick out like a sore thumb. Ive been following football longer than your alive how long you been following football ? 3 years ? Do you play currently ?

[CTM]

I 100% believe that smashmouth disregarded his body and hit as hard as he could.

His scrambled brains are evidence enough for me.

On this point however he is correct, Gholston is not a defensive football player. Just a bodybuilder who at times can get buy on athletive prowess and that's it. No tenacity. And I'd bet he is a pussy by the way he shy's from hitting.

[Smashmouth]

I 100% believe that smashmouth disregarded his body and hit as hard as he could.

His scrambled brains are evidence enough for me.

On this point however he is correct, Gholston is not a defensive football player. Just a bodybuilder who at times can get buy on athletive prowess and that's it. No tenacity. And I'd bet he is a pussy by the way he shy's from hitting.