New York Jets' rookie Gholston struggling to adjust by Dave Hutchinson/The Star-Ledger Thursday August 14, 2008, 8:31 PM HEMPSTEAD, N.Y. -- Early in training camp, Jets coach Eric Mangini recalled one day when he first started to watch tape of linebacker Vernon Gholston prior to last April's draft, he marveled at how the Ohio State product "popped" off the screen. Gholston, said Mangini, seemed to make eye-catching plays every time he turned on the film. Soon, Gholston became the player the Jets had to have to ignite their pass rush, a pass rush they feel they desperately need if they're to dethrone Tom Brady and the Patriots (see Giants, Super Bowl XLII). But through three weeks of training camp, Gholston, selected sixth overall, is still swimming as he tries to learn a new system -- or "drowning" as Gholston says -- and it appears he may not be ready to make a significant contribution by the Sept. 7 opener in Miami. Gholston has rarely "popped" during camp this summer. As an outside linebacker in the Jets' 3-4 scheme, he has seemed lost in pass coverage and hasn't been effective when he rushes, often getting blocked by left tackle D'Brickashaw Ferguson. Gholston does, however, seem more comfortable rushing than dropping in coverage, which is why the Jets drafted him. He had 14 sacks last season for the Buckeyes. The Jets attribute Gholston's slow start to him missing nearly all of the offseason program because he couldn't report until the semester at Ohio State was over. But the fact that he has shown so little has to be a bit alarming to the organization. Gholston, 6-3, 264 pounds, will get another opportunity to show what he can do tomorrow night against the Redskins at Giants Stadium. "He's converting from basically being a down (defensive end) to a stand-up outside linebacker," said Jets defensive coordinator Bub Sutton, who was allowed to speak with the media for the first time in training camp this summer. "There's a transition there. You're a little out of your comfort zone. I think the longer he goes here and the more comfortable he gets with the system, he's going to be fine. We need to just keep speeding up the indoctrination. He's working hard at it. He's spending a lot of time after practice both on the field and in the classroom to catch up." Gholston was credited with three tackles in last Thursday's 24-20 preseason victory over the Browns and didn't distinguish himself. Perhaps providing the Jets with a bit of solace is the fact that rookie defensive end Chris Long (Rams), whom the Jets liked, is also struggling as he goes from a 3-4 alignment at Virginia to a 4-3 scheme. He had just one tackle while playing the entire first half in the Rams' preseason opener at Tennessee. "I'm still learning. It's getting better," Gholston said. "Everybody tells you just to go but it's kind of hard when you don't know where to go. But that's one of the things I dealt with in college early. Once I learn what to do and where I need to be, I'll be okay. "Going back to the (Browns) game, it was kind of rough. This week, I've really picked up on it. I'm a little more comfortable out there. Some things I'm actually (picking up) off the pre-snap read and jumping on it. "It's coming. It's just one of those things where you'll be out there and sooner or later you'll realize you're making plays and you're not thinking at all." The Jets hope that's sooner rather than later. "It's a little frustrating but that's what you go through when you first start out," he said. "Everybody can relate to that."
has anybody heard anything about bryan thomas? If golston isnt ready then thomas better be ready for a big year
As i mentioned in the tc notes, Pace, 56 and the right side of the D has had their hands full with the left side of the OL.
A position change and no OTA's so it's no surprise that his transition is going slowly. Gholston will be used as a situational pass rusher at the beginning of the season. Just pin his ears back and go after the QB. And he'll have some success there. The NCAA / NFL needs to change the silly rule about reporting after graduation. It really does draft picks from Ohio State (and other quarter based schools) a great disservice.
I love the line about Sutton...a grown man...being "allowed to speak with the media for the first time in training camp this summer."
For the most part, these guys have to be induced to talk to the media, not allowed to. They are much more comfortable staying in the background so they can work on their charges without the scrutiny and second-guessing that dogs the HC and the skill players the whole TC. There will be plenty of chances to grill the other coaches during the season when their "body of work" is a lot more visible.
Yea... He'll be starting by week 6 over Thomas. Write it down. You guys will see. He got a late start, as some of you stated it's to be expected.
While they may not want to talk, it is definitely a hallmark of the Mangini regime to go overboard on limiting the access to players / coaches by the media.
I don't think anyone here is going to overreact about this. We all knew Gholston was a long term project and I still think he was the right pick with the way the draft shaped up.
the sky is falling!!!!! He can't be ready by the opener? Then he's the next Mamula/Bosworth! Fuckin FO can't do shit right!! Did Bradway drug Tanny into make this selection??? Fuck Gholston and everyone who looks like him. Go check on how Chris Long is doing btw, he's swimming too. I really hate reporters who don't get it. Wait 3 years, morons.
dont wanna piss on Gholston, but im rewatching the Cleveland game and he looked terrible. Out of place, couldnt get off a block, never around the play, not wrapping up. He has alot to fix.
