The sixth overall pick in the 2008 draft had a rough rookie year. A healthy scratch at one point during his first NFL season, linebacker Vernon Gholston widely is regarded as, to date, a bust.
But he expresses confidence as he prepares for a season that will commence with a four-game suspension for fellow linebacker Calvin Pace.
"I know I can play," Gholston said Saturday in comments circulated by the team. "The coaches know I can play. It's just all about like I said, getting in the defense, knowing what I'm in, knowing what I play, what I got going on and stepping up and doing it."
Gholston doesn't want to dwell on the fact that it didn't happen for him a year ago.
"Did I do all I wanted to do?" Gholston said. "Probably not. But the biggest thing for me, I never look back on the past, I always look forward."
In our view, Gholston would be wise to remember the past, and to find motivation from it. Not only does he have to prove to himself that last year was an aberration, but he also has to prove to everyone else that he's not as bad as his first season suggested.
Gholston: "I know I can play"
Posted by Mike Florio on August 1, 2009 3:48 PM ET
Permalink
23 Comments 
Latest stories in: Latest News and Rumors, NFL Mobile Exclusives - Transactions, New York Jets, Top Stories
Latest stories in: Latest News and Rumors, NFL Mobile Exclusives - Transactions, New York Jets, Top Stories
The guy can play. Just watch him in this new D.
I saw bust written all over Gholston after he didn't show up in a college bowl game. Great players do show up in those games
I will allow that defensive players can take time to develop but I am going to be surprised if Gholston is not a bust long term.
"Did I do all I wanted to do?" Gholston said. "Probably not."
-----------------------------------------
He really wanted hit double digits in solo tackles for the season.......Fell a mere 5 short........But those 8 assists were impressive....
70 tackles
16 sacks
d players dont take that long to develop. bust.
hizzle1281 said:
"70 tackles
16 sacks"
Yeah, I agree that Jared Allen is primed for another big year. But we're talking about Vernon Gholston here.
"I know I can play."
Yeah well.. you're the only one, Vernon.
Even though he should be playing DE in a 4-3, I hope he plays well and shuts you guys up.
...because I'm good enough, and I'm smart enough, and gosh darn it, people like me!
empty13 said: "d players dont take that long to develop."
Do you intentionally try to make sure every single thing you post is completely wrong, or does it just happen naturally?
The Jets really fell for it, didn't they? Now they have a major hole at LB that just sucks up money.
Who here doesn't think the Jets will end up in the cellar this year? Honestly? I mean, the Bills could conceivably wind up sucking more, but that ain't exactly somethin' to get excited about if your a Jets fan.
The dude should start watching tapes of Mark Gastineau.
Fins will finish in last.
Defensive tackles can take some time to come around, but a guy like Gholston should have made some noise as a OLB/edge rusher. He looked mostly lost last season.
fumblenuts,are you refering to the wife beating tapes?
Not sure about the Jets in the cellar. They return 7 pro bolwers form last year plus 5 alternates. By the far the most of any team in the league. Plus they get a huge upgrade in coaching. But then again no coach would be an upgrade over Mangini. The Jets are a very talented team that could do well with good QB play.
In regards to Gholston. Just another Ohio State bust/
"# hizzle1281 says: August 1, 2009 4:07 PM
70 tackles
16 sacks"
That's not much of a career, but it's something Vernon can shoot for. Is that over four years, or five?
Gholston says "I know I can play". I ask "play what?" it certainly isn't football he's refering to. Play the jets perheps or maybe just play with himself.
"hizzle1281 says:
August 1, 2009 4:07 PM
70 tackles
16 sacks"
Is that his stat line next year in the Indoor Football League?
mborz, or really mbore...
i manage to win $ betting every year, and i bet every game. so, u must be projecting your idiocy on other folks.
offensive players are the ones that usually start slower.
defensive players pretty much have to hit, cover and tackle. if they can do those things, and they have good reactions, what the hell is there to develop?
so gfy dirtbag. gholston btw isnt getting any 16 sacks. get a job.
For all the people that said the Raiders should 've
taken him over McFadden.
Enjoy the season.
First and foremost...I'm a Pats fan
Give him a chance. I think it's possible the kid was lost in the system....didn't really understand it. However, by now he'd better have buried his nose in the play book, taken the coaching and have a really solid understanding of the defensive system.
If he comes out and plays with that same passiveness again....I think then we can say he's a bust.
I'm thinking Rex Ryan is going to school him up really well and the kid will show a huge improvement.
As a Pats fan...I hope I'm wrong.
tom coughlin's coat holder says:
August 1, 2009 5:15 PM
fumblenuts,are you refering to the wife beating tapes?
Game film there bud............ tom coughlin's jock strap?
emptyHead13 = Bust/DUMBA$$