High Praise For William Gholston
May 8th, 2013
Former NFL QB and Michigan State game analyst Jim Miller implies that William Gholston is a better pass rusher than Adrian Clayborn.
Last week, SiriusXM NFL Radio host and former NFL quarterback Jim Miller popped on the local airwaves to talk to Joe’s good friend “The Commish,” Justin Pawlowski of WHFS-FM.
Just why was Miller talking football with Pawlowski? Because Miller is also the color analyst for Michigan State football games and Miller was talking about fellow Michigan State product, defensive end William Gholston, who the Bucs drafted in the fourth round.
In short, Miller said as long as Gholston is coached up and motivated, he will be on the field for the Bucs this fall.
“I don’t think he will be waiting on the sidelines very long. That is just my opinion on William Gholston because he can be tremendous. I know, because I cover the Big Ten, I have seen Adrian Clayborn. I have seen other defensive ends. They don’t compare to William Gholston. I can tell you that right now. That kid, it is up to him how good he wants to be. That’s all it is. He has all the talent in the world, all the God-given ability. The long arms, the explosion, the speed, it is up to him how good he wants to be. If the correct coaching is given, he will not be on the sidelines very long. At minimum, he will be in there on third down passing situations. And that kid can get to the quarterback when he puts his mind to it.”
Now this is some high praise. Even better than Adrian Clayborn? Wow.
Joe found what Miller said about how Gholston will be on the defensive line for passing situations very interesting. Just after Gholston was drafted, Bucs rock star general manager Mark Dominik said Gholston could play in the middle on passing situations, not just at end.
Given the fact that projected defensive tackle starter Akeem Spence is not known for rushing the quarterback, perhaps Gholson will spell Spence on third-and-long situations.
May 8th, 2013 at 10:26 am
Gholston does look like a very promising player. From the scouting reports I’ve read, the knacks on him is that he doesn’t have a high motor and is too inconsistent. He is a big dude with ability to get to the QBthough, I can see him coming in for Spence on third and long. Bowers,Gholston,GMC,Clayborn.. that sounds like a pretty damn impressive line to me when we know a pass is coming.
May 8th, 2013 at 10:33 am
Agree with Canada. Pass rush should be greatly improved this year. Can’t wait to see.
May 8th, 2013 at 11:13 am
Gholston has the body type of a Dwight Freeny/Simeon Rice/Jason Smith, meaning he really should be coming off the edge on passing situations. Clayborn is a little more stocky, and has a better bull rush than Gholston, and would think moving him to the inside on passing downs may make more sense; maximizing the push up the middle, and speed on the outside.
Of course this theory is based on Gholston showing he can CONSISTENTLY excel on the edge in training camp and preseason.
May 8th, 2013 at 11:16 am
Kyle Moore had a long body with explosion too…. lets just see how it goes
May 8th, 2013 at 11:47 am
@T in Orlando
I don’t believe Gholston is really comparable to any of those guys. He’s more of a Kevin Carter or Michael Bennett power 5 tech than a 7 tech speed rusher. Gholston is 6’6″ 280 lbs ran a 4.9 40 yard dash. He’ll likely gain about 5 more lbs, he’ll stop the run, give you about 4-6 sacks a year and spell Bowers.
May 8th, 2013 at 12:37 pm
Talent is about 50% of the equation
Clayborn was productive in every game- even in his senior year- when he played hurt. He always brought a non stop motor to the game.
Thus, a first round pick
Gholston has taken off entire games. He did very little to repay the people who gave him a scholarship. He loafed against weak oppenents- he loafed against great oppenents.
He has great measurables. But no sign of any pride, desire or accountability.
It would be nice if he decides to dedicate himself- and live up to his abilities.
But that very rarely happens. It’s usually an intelligence issue
And you can’t coach heart
Will cross my fingers
May 8th, 2013 at 12:37 pm
I’ve said this before and I’ll say it again. This coaching staff has complete confidence in their ability to develop players. If we can take both late rounders and turn them into solid rotational players it’s all upside. Especially when you consider cap space
Kyle Moore? Arrrgh.
May 8th, 2013 at 12:56 pm
I agree with Sensible.
@T in Orlando
Gholston’s body type is NOTHING like Dwight Freeney. Freeney is about 6’1″ and 260 lbs. Gholston is like 6’7″ and 280 lbs. And I’m not sure who you mean by Jason Smith, I can only imagine you mean Jason Taylor….another ill fitting comparison.
May 8th, 2013 at 1:23 pm
That is a big dude.
I am excited.
May 8th, 2013 at 2:23 pm
the next JJ Watt i give hime 22 sacks 44 knock downs
May 8th, 2013 at 2:56 pm
Joe, since when is Akeem Spence the projected starter at DT? 4th round picks don’t get penciled in like that right after the draft unless they are Punters or Kickers.
Derek Landri and Gary Gibson may not be household names but they are NFL veterans make more than a 4th rounders salary who will at least make it difficult for Spence to walk in and take their job away from them. Let the “projected starter” earn it first in camp because you crayon his name in there.
May 8th, 2013 at 2:59 pm
Tom:
Mark Dominik and Greg Schiano have all but penciled Spence in as a starter. Granted, he will have to win the job but neither of them are giving out any vibed — or words — that he won’t be starting.
May 8th, 2013 at 3:53 pm
With all the high character guys we are adding to this team if Gholston trys taking plays or games off here they would be on his case in a heartbeat along with the coaches. I don’t think that’s going to happen.