Gholston: “I Think I’m Gonna Be A Whole Different Player”
June 28th, 2015
(Photo courtesy of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers)
Jacquies Smith was snatched off the street by the Buccaneers last fall, later booted William Gholston from his starting left defensive end job and became the toast of Tampa Bay fans (those still watching) with 6.5 sacks in a half season of steady action.
But Gholston isn’t dead and buried.
In fact, the 2013 fourth-round pick thinks he’s primed to break out.
Gholston talked to the Detroit Free Press about his future, and a free camp he was hosting for kids in Michigan.
“I’m really confident, and I think I’m gonna be a whole different player this season,” [Gholston] said. “I’ve learned a tremendous amount. The hardest thing was adjusting to a playbook for a full year and then getting a whole new one.”
Yes, playbooks matter. But for a defensive linemen, the game is still about being better than the guy in front of you. Joe likes Gholston but doesn’t view him as an NFL starter. He didn’t show much in his nine starts last season. Gholston, who turns 24 next month, looks like a solid fourth-round pick, but not much more.
Gholston and Henry Melton are the two Buccaneers that can play inside and outside on the defensive line. Gholston is versatile at 6-6, 280 pounds, with extra-long arms.
That versatility likely keeps him employed in Tampa for at least another year.
June 28th, 2015 at 11:17 am
Nice pic Joe. What good did all that huddling together do for them?
Unless they’re having a real live circle jerk…
June 28th, 2015 at 11:29 am
@87
The Supreme Court has paved the way for you to marry Jameis…..(already married?) not a problem…..you can be the first to challenge plural marriage laws.
June 28th, 2015 at 11:41 am
“The Supreme Court has paved the way for you to marry Jameis”
Don’t remind me TBBF… As a conservative, I’m trying to forget it even happened.
June 28th, 2015 at 11:44 am
He’s only just now entering his prime.
June 28th, 2015 at 12:00 pm
1987
If you want to forget about what the supreme court decided this week, making comments about a bunch of grown men having a circle jerk is not the way to start. Maybe someone is hiding something…
June 28th, 2015 at 12:02 pm
The kid played hurt most the season which is more than I can say for some of our other lineman. Dude played w one arm and still hustled all game. Psst
June 28th, 2015 at 12:06 pm
Well Malloy….that’s just about what the group of them accomplished last year.
June 28th, 2015 at 12:39 pm
Looks like all the d-line man from last year, And just like his career, Adrian Slowborn is no where to be seen!!!
June 28th, 2015 at 9:14 pm
Will Gholston has dropped 20 lbs, he’s at 270 now, down from the 291 that he played at last season. He say’s he’s getting off the ball quickier, it’s amazing how motivated a person get after they have lost their job!
June 29th, 2015 at 12:06 am
@The Buc Realist,
Let it go man. He’s not here anymore. Move on.
June 29th, 2015 at 12:33 am
@LakelandBuc – Not sure where you get your info., but Gholston was all slimmed down and rocked up last summer. Here’s his own words. https://www.joebucsfan.com/2014/08/will-gholston-enjoying-giant-lessons/
June 29th, 2015 at 5:27 am
Ok Joe, I read somewhere, I believe it was on Bleacher. Will Gholston said that last season he played at 291 lbs, but after reading your post i’m not sure.