2012 Spartan Nation Football Profile: #2 William Gholston
Expectation:Â All American
Height:  6’7â€
Weight:Â #285
2012 Eligibility:Â Junior
EXP:Â 2 Letters
Status:Â Starting DE
Strengths: William Gholston has few flaws in his game. He did not redshirt and when he displays a weakness it is quickly overcome with reps. All you need to do to see his strength is go back to the UM game last year at Spartan Stadium.
In the 4th quarter with 13:47 on the clock the Wolverines had a first and ten at the MSU 24. Gholston is so big, athletic and explosive that he literally stood a
talented right tackle for the Wolverines up in is tracks like he was a pop warner player. Gholston spun after standing up the RT, grabbed Shoelace and threw him to the ground.
He can leap, he can run and he is strong. Gholston is the complete physical subject, but also possesses a deep passion for the game and strong work ethic and drive.
Weakness: Let’s stay right with the UM game from last year again. In the third quarter with 10:17 on the clock the Wolverines had the ball
at their own 29 and were facing a 3rd and eight. Shoelace made a run for three yards and Gholson came in late, hit him on the ground, but then inexcusably grabbed him by the helmet and wrenched it.
Let me say this. Gholston was very angry and I have written MOST of what was going on. You can read that here. There was more that was reprehensible, but I
have been asked not to discuss it. I will say that I had no issues (and neither did the head referee) with him throwing a punch (he was NOT kicked out, even with the rule saying it was mandatory) at a player who frankly deserved it. I do think he got away with getting thrown out for what he did to Robinson and it was uncalled for.
Gholston has all the tools to be the best player on the field each time he steps on it. He has to remember that when you are physically better than those you are going
against they will try to get you to eliminate yourself.
Those of us that know Gholston (and I have for many years) know that the passion he plays with, is the same as he lives by. It is what makes him such a wonderful young man. He has to learn to temper it when people are using it against him. I have heard some say he should learn to play without it. He can’t and it is what makes him great. How many players have we seen with all the physical tools and no heart or passion? He has to learn to control it.
Final Analysis: As I mentioned prior I have had the distinct privilege of getting to know William personally. He is a super young man. One of the best people I have ever met, as a person. Spartans should enjoy him this season. He is not looking to get out of here like some in the past, but he is simply too good for people to
think staying is a certainty. Every NFL scout I know says that as long as there is no injury, or off field issues, and he continues to progress he is a clear top 15 pick. I expect this to be his last year at MSU.
Next up:Â #9 S Isaiah Lewis
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