Vernon Gholston, he of the five-tackle, no-sack, no-impact rookie season, is perhaps the biggest enigma on the Jets. He was the sixth overall pick in the 2008 draft, freakishly athletic, but his lack of production, coupled with what some teammates perceive as a lack of fire, has made him a mystery man in his own locker room. "He's strong as hell, but the question is, does he want it?" said one player, speaking on the condition of anonymity. "It's the weirdest thing I've ever seen. He's got talent, and he doesn't lack confidence, but sometimes he's like an 18-year-old kid who's never played the game before." New York Daily News I'm convinced there is some kind of psychological issue with this kid. Is it pressure, stress, confidence or what? What does he need? He got the money - is that all he wanted? What the hell happened to our pre-draft personal interview process? Its hard for me to believe that this kid dazzled our GM & HC during their "unique" 1 on 1 personal interview so much so that they overlooked or even ignored his questionable desire or drive to play football, much less lacking a killer instinct. I'm all for giving this kid time to learn, mature & grow into a football player, but jeez,......it would be nice to read something constructive about the guy for once.
looks like the lt school of linebacking has made zero difference. i was hoping this kid lived up to his expectations. this really sucks dudes.
Maybe he's just a bum....now that it's his full time job, his career, he doesn't wanna go for it any more....who knows....
i havent written him off. at least i dont think i did with my post. i want this kid to become an nfl superstar.
I'm not willing to "write off" Gholston this early in TC because of one media blurb. I'm willing to give him this season to prove himself. It's like Rex said "If he can't produce for me, he won't be able to anywhere".....therefore, I'm going to give VG the benefit of the doubt till about midway thru the season. That should be a decent enough barometer, IMO. However....if what is being said is TRUE about VG's drive to play the game.....how did this minor detail get by the Jets talent evaluators? I mean, they've obviously put VG thru an extensive interview process, and checked with his college references...right?? Either the media is looking to bury this kid based solely on his rookie season because they have nothing better to do....or....the Jets FO is incompetent when evaluating potential draft picks. just my .02.
How about printing the rest of the story instead of one paragraph? Here are some other excerpts. It's a little early to write him off after 2 days of camp, don't you think???? Two days into training camp at SUNY-Cortland, Gholston seems more comfortable than a year ago, making an occasional play. Baby steps, right? In Rex Ryan's complicated defense, he can line up as a linebacker or a down lineman, depending on the front. Initially, the plan was to use him as a pass-rushing specialist, but now he'll be needed in base packages. For now, he's still working with the second team; Pace is allowed to practice with the team until the regular season. "I think, even without (the unexpected promotion), he wanted to change the perception about himself," said Ryan, who has been talking up Gholston since the day he was hired. "I understand that. A lot is asked of a guy when he's the sixth pick." To help Gholston and the other pass rushers, Ryan hired former Falcons defensive end Chuck Smith, who runs a well-known football training program in Atlanta. Stars such as Osi Umenyiora and Albert Haynesworth have attended Smith's academy, and they swear by his methods. Smith was introduced to the Jets in minicamp, and he was invited back for training camp. Guard Brandon Moore said Smith has a "tool bag" of tricks that he has taught the defensive linemen. Teammates say they've already noticed an improvement in Gholston's technique, particularly the way he uses his hands. How about we Gholston play a few NFL games before we pass judgment. Mangini blew it last year by inactivating him down the stretch when 1) The Jets had nothing to lose ; 2) the pass rush had disappeared, and 3) It was a perfect opportunity to see if he could play. That demotion may have destroyed this kid's confidence. I am still baffled by Mangini's treatment of this kid. When you pay $20 million for something, you try it out before you throw it out.
This is way better than hiring Teddy Atlas. Go figure. Hire a football specialist rather than a boxing specialist. The secondary doesn't look bad either.
Man, just goes to show how much heart means. Talent alone shouldn't be the lone factor in deciding a draft pick that high. Look at Bart Scott, undrafted guy that willed himself to succeed through hard work and a chip on his shoulder a mile long. Then there's Vernon, that just doesn't seem to get it, yet. There's still time, but he's on the clock, no doubt...
this is why the combine has been so overrated to the point where it gets ridiculous. mind you, the jets staff should know what kind of committment gholston has, with thorough interview processes.
