NFL Draft Good Article On GHOLTSON. - Page 3

El Jefe · 02:51 PM

Top prospect Gholston had to grow up fast
Click-2-Listen
By TIM GRAHAM

Palm Beach Post Staff Writer

Thursday, April 24, 2008

Every time he cradled him, his father was easier to pick up.

The son, barely sprouting facial hair, grew stronger. Dad became progressively weaker.

Vernon Nelson's body was withering because of an aggressive form of multiple sclerosis. Unable to move, he relied on his oldest boy to lift him from bed and ease him into a chair.

Nelson caught a cold, developed pneumonia and died in December 1999. He was 48.

The son was 13. Already physically impressive enough to be mistaken for an adult, Vernon Gholston suddenly had to be a man - taking care of himself and his little brother in Detroit while their mother, Cheryl, worked the General Motors assembly line.

"I always worked the afternoon shift so I could make sure my boys got to school in the morning, make sure they got home from school," Cheryl Gholston said. "From then on, Vernon was in charge."

Vernon Gholston now is 21, and to say he's all grown up would be an understatement.

Gholston is a 6-foot-4, 258-pound pass rusher from Ohio State who soon will become a multi-millionaire. Saturday, at the NFL Draft in New York, he'll learn which team will sign his checks.

Gholston is among the select group of six college players the NFL invited to attend the draft at Radio City Music Hall. As much as scouts and draft experts marvel at Gholston's sculpted body, they also praise his maturity.

The source of that composure is something not often discussed.

"It made me better, having to look after my brother," Gholston said. Brandon Gholston, 19, is studying mental health at Wayne County Community College in Michigan.

"It made me a more responsible and disciplined person," the older brother continued. "These are all the attributes that have helped me in football, to make me work hard and study my playbook and want to get better.

"It also was being a responsible adult off the field. A lot of kids come to college are just that, doing a lot of things and getting trouble."

Unless there is a stunning trade, Gholston won't be a member of the Dolphins. They dedicated the No. 1 selection to Gholston's collegiate nemesis, Michigan tackle Jake Long.

There is a chance their personal rivalry will continue. Two of Miami's AFC East foes - the New York Jets and New England Patriots - own the sixth and seventh picks and run the 3-4 defense, a scheme in which Gholston could thrive as a hybrid end.

"I don't think he drops past seventh," ESPN draft analyst Mel Kiper Jr. said.

Gholston had 22 1/2 sacks in the past two seasons, more than any other collegian, but some people wondered if he was wise to leave the Buckeyes a year early.

His stock soared in February at the NFL scouting combine. Test scores were outstanding. His interviews were striking.

He worked out again for several teams, including the Dolphins, in March at Ohio State and left scouts impressed with improved scores. He ran the 40-yard dash in 4.58 seconds and made a 42-inch vertical jump.

Some forecasters insist that Gholston, albeit not as polished, has a brighter future than Virginia end Chris Long, considered by many the best defensive player in the draft.

"Gholston is the same kind of freakish athlete at his position that (Arkansas running back Darren) McFadden is at his position," NFL Network draft analyst Mike Mayock said.
Jake Long also gushed over Gholston. "Playing against him is nuts," Long said. "He's so strong, so fast he's insane."
Gholston didn't grow up a football fan. He was into basketball and wrestling. His favorite obsession, however, was weightlifting. He claimed he got into pumping iron when he was 13 because he thought he had a gut.

But his mother said he was driven at least partially by watching his father struggle.

"He knew MS wasn't hereditary," Cheryl Gholston said, "but he could see his father's body deteriorate from it."

Even before his father died, Vernon Gholston hit his growth spurt.

"When Vernon turned 11 he shot up from a little, skinny boy," his mother said. "His body just totally changed."

She recalled boarding a Caribbean cruise when Vernon was 14 - she enjoyed taking her sons on trips to make up for all those hours she worked - and watching a waiter hand him a cocktail.

Then there was the day Cass Technical High football coach Thomas Wilcher, a former Michigan running back, first saw Gholston in the school hallway. Wilcher asked if Gholston was looking for his child.

Wilcher persuaded Gholston to play football by his sophomore year. Gholston's inexperience made the adjustment frustrating.

Wilcher has spoken of Gholston's early inability to understand the game's violent tendencies. So Gholston played guard his first two seasons. He was switched to linebacker as a senior and earned all-state honors.

Gholston's father never envisioned his sons playing football, but his fanciful imagination proved pretty accurate.

"When I just found out I was pregnant, Vernon's father joked how he always wanted two sons and they were going to play basketball and buy us a big house one day," Cheryl Gholston said. "He'd say ÎI'm going to take care of my boys, and one day they're going to take care of me.' "

Gholston did take care of his father, although much sooner than a boy should.

Now he'll have the opportunity to provide for his mother, who assumed the role of both parents at home and punched a factory time clock to keep her family together.

"My mom's taken care of me," Gholston said. "Anything I needed — or thought about needing — she tried to provide. She did the best she could.

"Now I'm in a position where I can help her. I don't have a limit when it comes to my family."

Link: http://www.palmbeachpost.com/localne...4gholston.html

**Tribal Warfare** · 04-25-2008, 05:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GOATSE

Just imagine the highlight films I can make for Vernon Gholston if we draft him. None of that pop shit. METALLICA. AC/DC. THRASHING THUNDERMETAL!

SOAD, Disturbed, Godsmack.....

eazyb81 · 04-25-2008, 05:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GOATSE

Just imagine the highlight films I can make for Vernon Gholston if we draft him. None of that pop shit. METALLICA. AC/DC. THRASHING THUNDERMETAL!

The Youtube video "Vernon Gholston Godlike" is a good starting point.

El Jefe · 04-25-2008, 05:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by eazyb81

I'm so torn on Gholston.

I have no doubt he's going to be a beast in the right system, but I also doubt that Gunther has the creativity to use him in the right way.

I think a freak like Gholston should be moved around and be able to focus on his strength - rushing the passer - rather than just glued into a RDE spot down after down.

Ala Demarcus Ware.

Ultra Peanut · 04-25-2008, 05:57 PM

Mr. Laz · 04-25-2008, 06:09 PM

i've read some stuff about how Gholston is also inconsistant because he's hard to motivate.

which goes against the story in this thread

El Jefe · 04-25-2008, 06:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Laz

i've read some stuff about how Gholston is also inconsistant because he's hard to motivate.

which goes against the story in this thread

Thats the thing that gets old about the draft is everybody and their brother is an expert on every player. Gholston is going to be the real deal, get on the bandwagon. Before the year I was hoping the Chiefs would either get James Laurinitis or Vernon, now lets wait and hope it's a good Christmas for us tomorrow. I may be a homer because Im a Buckeye fan, but I just love Gholston, he is a good guy, and he is really big in person.

Mr. Laz · 04-25-2008, 06:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kcchiefsfanGoLJ

Thats the thing that gets old about the draft is everybody and their brother is an expert on every player. Gholston is going to be the real deal, get on the bandwagon. Before the year I was hoping the Chiefs would either get James Laurinitis or Vernon, now lets wait and hope it's a good Christmas for us tomorrow. I may be a homer because Im a Buckeye fan, but I just love Gholston, he is a good guy, and he is really big in person.

well ... lets chalk up another opinion and expert

eazyb81 · 04-25-2008, 07:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kcchiefsfanGoLJ

Thats the thing that gets old about the draft is everybody and their brother is an expert on every player. Gholston is going to be the real deal, get on the bandwagon. Before the year I was hoping the Chiefs would either get James Laurinitis or Vernon, now lets wait and hope it's a good Christmas for us tomorrow. I may be a homer because Im a Buckeye fan, but I just love Gholston, he is a good guy, and he is really big in person.

I bet you thought Big Daddy Dan Wilkinson was going to be the shizznit.

**dirk digler** · 04-25-2008, 07:50 PM

I heard Todd McShay say today that Gholsten could be the biggest bust in this year's draft.

Brock · 04-25-2008, 08:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dirk digler

I heard Todd McShay say today that Gholsten could be the biggest bust in this year's draft.

You could say that about literally 6-8 players.

**dirk digler** · 04-25-2008, 08:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Brock

You could say that about literally 6-8 players.

True the draft is more like a crap shoot but McShay believes he is the biggest gamble

**wazu** · 04-25-2008, 11:43 PM

I have finally joined the Gholston bandwagon. It took awhile to get over the resentment of the Allen trade, which I still consider to be a mistake, but...better late than never.

I also thought St. Louis was after Gholston, but it's sounding like there is a good chance we'll have a shot. This can only mean one thing - we will pass on him and draft Otah.

HMc · 04-25-2008, 11:47 PM

What the f*** does mcshay know? They're just making shit up to fill airtime now.

04-25-2008, 02:45 PM
El Jefe Don't tread on me. Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Where the peaches grow Casino cash: $9030572	Good Article On GHOLTSON. Top prospect Gholston had to grow up fast Click-2-Listen By TIM GRAHAM Palm Beach Post Staff Writer Thursday, April 24, 2008 Every time he cradled him, his father was easier to pick up. The son, barely sprouting facial hair, grew stronger. Dad became progressively weaker. Vernon Nelson's body was withering because of an aggressive form of multiple sclerosis. Unable to move, he relied on his oldest boy to lift him from bed and ease him into a chair. Nelson caught a cold, developed pneumonia and died in December 1999. He was 48. The son was 13. Already physically impressive enough to be mistaken for an adult, Vernon Gholston suddenly had to be a man - taking care of himself and his little brother in Detroit while their mother, Cheryl, worked the General Motors assembly line. "I always worked the afternoon shift so I could make sure my boys got to school in the morning, make sure they got home from school," Cheryl Gholston said. "From then on, Vernon was in charge." Vernon Gholston now is 21, and to say he's all grown up would be an understatement. Gholston is a 6-foot-4, 258-pound pass rusher from Ohio State who soon will become a multi-millionaire. Saturday, at the NFL Draft in New York, he'll learn which team will sign his checks. Gholston is among the select group of six college players the NFL invited to attend the draft at Radio City Music Hall. As much as scouts and draft experts marvel at Gholston's sculpted body, they also praise his maturity. The source of that composure is something not often discussed. "It made me better, having to look after my brother," Gholston said. Brandon Gholston, 19, is studying mental health at Wayne County Community College in Michigan. "It made me a more responsible and disciplined person," the older brother continued. "These are all the attributes that have helped me in football, to make me work hard and study my playbook and want to get better. "It also was being a responsible adult off the field. A lot of kids come to college are just that, doing a lot of things and getting trouble." Unless there is a stunning trade, Gholston won't be a member of the Dolphins. They dedicated the No. 1 selection to Gholston's collegiate nemesis, Michigan tackle Jake Long. There is a chance their personal rivalry will continue. Two of Miami's AFC East foes - the New York Jets and New England Patriots - own the sixth and seventh picks and run the 3-4 defense, a scheme in which Gholston could thrive as a hybrid end. "I don't think he drops past seventh," ESPN draft analyst Mel Kiper Jr. said. Gholston had 22 1/2 sacks in the past two seasons, more than any other collegian, but some people wondered if he was wise to leave the Buckeyes a year early. His stock soared in February at the NFL scouting combine. Test scores were outstanding. His interviews were striking. He worked out again for several teams, including the Dolphins, in March at Ohio State and left scouts impressed with improved scores. He ran the 40-yard dash in 4.58 seconds and made a 42-inch vertical jump. Some forecasters insist that Gholston, albeit not as polished, has a brighter future than Virginia end Chris Long, considered by many the best defensive player in the draft. "Gholston is the same kind of freakish athlete at his position that (Arkansas running back Darren) McFadden is at his position," NFL Network draft analyst Mike Mayock said. Jake Long also gushed over Gholston. "Playing against him is nuts," Long said. "He's so strong, so fast he's insane." Gholston didn't grow up a football fan. He was into basketball and wrestling. His favorite obsession, however, was weightlifting. He claimed he got into pumping iron when he was 13 because he thought he had a gut. But his mother said he was driven at least partially by watching his father struggle. "He knew MS wasn't hereditary," Cheryl Gholston said, "but he could see his father's body deteriorate from it." Even before his father died, Vernon Gholston hit his growth spurt. "When Vernon turned 11 he shot up from a little, skinny boy," his mother said. "His body just totally changed." She recalled boarding a Caribbean cruise when Vernon was 14 - she enjoyed taking her sons on trips to make up for all those hours she worked - and watching a waiter hand him a cocktail. Then there was the day Cass Technical High football coach Thomas Wilcher, a former Michigan running back, first saw Gholston in the school hallway. Wilcher asked if Gholston was looking for his child. Wilcher persuaded Gholston to play football by his sophomore year. Gholston's inexperience made the adjustment frustrating. Wilcher has spoken of Gholston's early inability to understand the game's violent tendencies. So Gholston played guard his first two seasons. He was switched to linebacker as a senior and earned all-state honors. Gholston's father never envisioned his sons playing football, but his fanciful imagination proved pretty accurate. "When I just found out I was pregnant, Vernon's father joked how he always wanted two sons and they were going to play basketball and buy us a big house one day," Cheryl Gholston said. "He'd say ÎI'm going to take care of my boys, and one day they're going to take care of me.' " Gholston did take care of his father, although much sooner than a boy should. Now he'll have the opportunity to provide for his mother, who assumed the role of both parents at home and punched a factory time clock to keep her family together. "My mom's taken care of me," Gholston said. "Anything I needed — or thought about needing — she tried to provide. She did the best she could. "Now I'm in a position where I can help her. I don't have a limit when it comes to my family." Link: http://www.palmbeachpost.com/localne...4gholston.html Last edited by El Jefe; 04-25-2008 at 02:51 PM.. Reason: Cut out some spam
Posts: 8,540

04-25-2008, 05:57 PM	#34
Ultra Peanut v^V^v^V^v^V^ Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: Holland* Casino cash: $10005177	__________________
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04-25-2008, 06:09 PM	#35
Mr. Laz Don't Tease Me Join Date: Dec 2000 Location: KS Casino cash: $11047037	i've read some stuff about how Gholston is also inconsistant because he's hard to motivate. which goes against the story in this thread __________________
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04-25-2008, 07:50 PM	#39
dirk digler Please squeeze Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: Clinton, MO Casino cash: $114644	I heard Todd McShay say today that Gholsten could be the biggest bust in this year's draft.
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04-25-2008, 11:43 PM	#42
wazu ... Join Date: May 2002 Location: Kansas City, MO Casino cash: $-1707705 VARSITY	I have finally joined the Gholston bandwagon. It took awhile to get over the resentment of the Allen trade, which I still consider to be a mistake, but...better late than never. I also thought St. Louis was after Gholston, but it's sounding like there is a good chance we'll have a shot. This can only mean one thing - we will pass on him and draft Otah.
Posts: 30,875

04-25-2008, 11:47 PM	#43
HMc from the very deep south. Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Sydney, Australia. Casino cash: $9944900	What the f*** does mcshay know? They're just making shit up to fill airtime now.
Posts: 2,792