DE Vernon Gholston (Official Thread)

[Buckskin86]

Bloggers
Erik Boland: Inside the Jets
July 24, 2008

A roster move which means...
Vernon Gholston is officially signed. The Jets just released DB Etienne Boulay, likely the move that frees up a roster spot for Gholston. So the 5:45 practice should be our first look - in pads at any rate - at the Jets No. 6 pick.

Erik Boland: Inside the Jets

July 24, 2008
Vernon on board
The Vernon Gholston contract is done, according to a person with knowledge of the negotiations. The only thing standing in the way of a Gholston press conference/appearance on the practice field is league approval.

It should come in close to $9 million a year, a staggering amount for a rookie. He?d better be good, real good.

The Jets Stream - NY Daily News

 

[Buckskin86]

Jets ink draft pick Victor Gholston to five-year, $40 million contract
BY RICH CIMINI
DAILY NEWS SPORTS WRITER
Thursday, July 24th 2008

Betz/AP

Victor Gholston inked one of the richest contracts in Jets history.

Disgruntled tight end Chris Baker isn't disgruntled anymore, and rookie pass rusher Vernon Gholston has a new contract. Could it be? Yes, the Jets could make it through the summer without any contract-related headaches.

Gholston, the sixth pick of this year's draft, finalized a five-year contract Thursday, according to an NFL source. It's worth about $40 million, including at least $20 million in guarantees, making it one of the richest contracts in team history. The former Ohio State star didn't sign in time to participate in the first two practices of training camp, but he was expected to join the team last night and be on the field for today's 1:30 practice.

Jets ink draft pick Victor Gholston to five-year, $40 million contract

 

[Buckskin86]

Sports Blog
The Jets Stream
July 25, 2008

Gholston's mega deal is signed and delivered

At approximately 8 o?clock this morning, Vernon Gholston became a rich young man. Wait, let me correct that - a very, very, very rich young man.

The Jets? top draft pick finally put pen to paper, signing a five-year contract, according to sources. Yahoo.com is reporting the total value at $50 million, including $21 million in guarantees. The $50 million may include incentives and escalators. The actual value, minus the bells and whistles, is likely closer to $40 million, but I?m checking on that.

In reality this deal was done late yesterday, and the Jets had scheduled a late-night conference call with Gholston, but things got backed up as they fine-tuned the language in the contract. No harm, no foul. Gholston had missed both practices yesterday anyway, so the delay didn?t cost him any field time. The next practice is 1:30 p.m today. Only one session today.

The Jets Stream - NY Daily News

Gholston's contract with Jets includes $21M in guaranteed money
By John Clayton
ESPN.com
Updated: July 25, 2008

Overnight negotiations Friday culminated with the New York Jets reaching a five-year contract agreement with first-round draft pick Vernon Gholston that includes $21 million in guarantees.

The linebacker's deal could max out at $50 million if he reaches all of his performance clauses. If the No. 6 pick does not, the deal would still be worth $32.5 million.

Negotiations lasted until 4:30 a.m. Friday morning. Once a deal was agreed to, Gholston went to the Jets' offices to sign the contract in order to be on the practice field later today.

ESPN - Gholston's contract with Jets includes $21M in guaranteed money - NFL

 

[Buckskin86]

NY Jets top draft pick Gholston in the fold, now has to catch up
by Dave Hutchinson/The Star-Ledger
Friday July 25, 2008

William Perlman/The Star-Ledger

Vernon Gholston of the Jets practices on day two at Jets training camp at the team's training facility in Hempstead, N.Y., Friday.

NOTEBOOK
HEMPSTEAD, N.Y. - Rookie LB Vernon Gholston was asked how it feels to be richer beyond his wildest dreams.

"I still don't really know the (exact) numbers," Gholston said Friday following his training camp debut at Hofstra. "My agent told me I was good to go and to go ahead and sign it. I'm sure it's more than I had before."

Gholston, selected sixth overall out of Ohio State, signed a five-year deal worth $32.5 million that includes $21 million in guaranteed money. The contract has the potential to reach $50 million.

Jets general manager Mike Tannenbaum said the team agreed to a five-year deal instead of the six-year contract they fought for last season with top pick Darrelle Revis because changes in the collective bargaining agreement "made sense to do the deal we did."

Before the draft, critics said Gholston had the tendency to take plays off. With his fat, new bank account, he was asked how the money may affect him.

"I was never motivated by money," he said. "I played at Ohio State for free. This is what I chose to do. My job is to play football and I'm committed to do what I'm suppose to do."

Gholston, who is being counted on to spark the pass rush, is playing catch-up. He missed nearly the entire offseason program because his class at Ohio State hadn't finished the semester, and the first day of training camp.

"It's going to be harder for him," coach Eric Mangini said. "These guys are working on exposure three (to the defense). He's still on two (because he missed minicamp). He's got to make that up and he's got to make it up in a hurry. The train doesn't stop. The installation just keeps going in."

Said Gholston: "Once I get going and learn the system and learn what I'm suppose to do and what they expect of me, I'll be fine. ... I'm definitely a step behind. I haven't been here. It's just something you deal with. I'll do some extra studying tonight."

Jets sign top pick Gholston to five-year deal
BY ERIK BOLAND | [email protected]
July 26, 2008

As the questions continued to focus on a singular topic, Jets general manager Mike Tannenbaum good-naturedly decided to ask the reporters surrounding him a question.

"Anyone interested in talking about Vernon?" Tannenbaum said, almost in a pleading tone.

Oh, right, Vernon. As in Vernon Gholston, the Jets' top pick from April - and the No. 6 overall pick in the draft - who officially signed his deal early Friday morning and had just run through his first training camp practice that afternoon. His contract, which Tannenbaum called "extraordinarily long and complicated" and "north of 50 pages," reportedly is a five-year deal that could balloon, with escalators, to as much as $50 million. The contract has $21 million guaranteed.

"I still don't really know the whole numbers," Gholston said. "My agent [Ben Dogra] told me I was good to go and to go ahead and sign it."

Gholston paused and smiled.

"I'm sure it [the money] is more than I had before."

Surely.

The Jets' top pick last year, cornerback Darrelle Revis, missed the first 20 days of training camp in a contract dispute, the primary obstacle being the Jets' insistence on a sixth year. Did the Jets acquiesce with Gholston's contract?

"Without getting into specifics, the collective-bargaining agreement has changed a little bit," Tannenbaum said. "It just made sense to do the deal we did. It was a good landing spot for both sides."

Gholston landed in Friday afternoon's practice with his head swimming a bit. He missed the first day of training camp, and his participation in the team's offseason program was minimal because of the length of the Ohio State school year.

"I am definitely playing catch-up," Gholston said. "I am just trying to focus on the football part. Once I do that, hopefully I can be a good player. I'm just a guy willing to go out there and play hard and get everything under my belt."

That process, he said, would comprise his Friday night plans.

"I'll do some extra studying," he said.

Jets sign top pick Gholston to five-year deal -- Newsday.com

GHOLSTON CASHES IN AT CAMP
By MARK CANNIZZARO
July 26, 2008

This was a day Vernon Gholston should have dominated the headlines from JetsNew York Jets training camp.

After all, the sixth overall pick in the draft, after missing the first day of camp with his contract not yet completed, worked in his first practice yesterday.

That was news - good news for the Jets - but the revelation that the Jets are considering a trade for Brett Favre superceded the appearance of their top draft pick.

Gholston, a linebacker out of Ohio State, signed his five-year contract worth some $50 million with incentives yesterday morning and was on the field for the afternoon practice.

Both coach Eric Mangini and GM Mike Tannenbaum, after being peppered with Favre questions, asked reporters, "Does anyone want to talk about Gholston?"

There'll be plenty of time for that. For the moment, Gholston merely is trying to make up for time lost while he missed some OTA and minicamp work because of school commitments.

"I'm definitely a step behind," Gholston said . "It's something I have to deal with. I'm definitely playing catch-up. Once I do that, I hope I can bring something to this team."

Gholston, asked about his massive contract, claimed he didn't know the figures.

When told it was a big contract, he said, "I'm sure it's more than what I had before."

"I was never motivated by money," he said. "I played at Ohio State for free. Where I was picked [in the draft] you just get a big payday."

GHOLSTON CASHES IN AT CAMP - New York Post

 

[OSUBasketballJunkie]

Dispatch

Gholston, Jets agree on $50 million contract

Saturday, July 26, 2008 6:09 AM

HEMPSTEAD, N.Y. (AP) -- Vernon Gholston was ready to hit the books after taking the field for the first time as the New York Jets' latest millionaire.
"I'm definitely a step behind," the No. 6 overall pick out of Ohio State said yesterday. "I missed practice (Thursday) and I haven't been up here, but, you know, it's just something to deal with and I'll do some extra studying tonight and keep pushing."
Gholston's one-day, two-practice holdout ended when the deal was approved in time for the defensive end to be on the field with his teammates for the start of practice on the second day of training camp. Gholston's agent, Ben Dogra of CAA Football, said that the contract is worth $50 million, with $21 million guaranteed, over five years.

Continued.....

 

[Buckskin86]

GHOLSTON FEELING JET ROOKIE PAINS
By DAN MARTIN
July 30, 2008

Vernon Gholston is being realistic, even if his goals for the time being probably won't excite JetsNew York Jets fans.

"I always have high expectations for myself," Gholston said. "Maybe it comes a little slower than others expect, but one day I hope to be a good player."

So, he doesn't consider himself one already?

"Definitely not," said Gholston after practice yesterday at Hofstra.

The former Ohio State defensive lineman isn't being modest, just accepting the realities of making the transition to the NFL and to a new position.

When told Eric Mangini had said it looked as if Gholston was "swimming" during training camp, the linebacker-in-training responded, "Swimming? Closer to drowning."

That's what happens when a player is adjusting to the pros - and a new position. Of course, it didn't help that Gholston missed most of the OTAs while still in college and then didn't finalize his contract until last weekend.

"There was a lot of teaching that took place over that time that would have helped him," Mangini said yesterday. "He would have been much further along . . . He's got to build a base level."

But that doesn't mean he hasn't shown glimpses of why the Jets made him the sixth selection overall in this year's draft.

"You can see the talent he has," said another new linebacker, Calvin Pace, who also has experience playing both on the line and at linebacker. "It's not going to be easy for him because it's a hard transition for anyone to make, but there's no reason he can't do it. Even though he might be struggling now, that won't last long. He's too good."

The Jets are counting on Gholston leaving those growing pains behind as he settles into the 3-4 defense.

"I was relentless in college, just trying to get to the quarterback," Gholston said. "Now, there's more thinking involved while I try to figure everything out. I just hope to get back to being relentless again soon."

JETS' ROOKIE VERNON GHOLSON TRYING TO ADJUST TO NFL SLOWLY - New York Post

 

[Buckskin86]

Rookie OLB Vernon Gholston took some reps with the first-team base defense, splitting time with Bryan Thomas. Gholston looks a bit lost in a two-point stance, which can be expected. Remember, he was a down lineman at Ohio State. When he?s in a three-point stance, going forward, he looks a lot more comfortable. He seemed to have trouble getting off blocks, allowing runs to get to the outside.

The Jets Stream - NY Daily News

 

[Buckskin86]

Rookie LB Vernon Gholston is having a quiet camp thus far. "He's being hit with a ton of information," said coach Eric Mangini, "and he can't draw on anything from OTAs (organized team activities) and minicamp (both of which he missed because he couldn't report until the semester ended at Ohio State). It's all new. ...

News and notes from New York Jets camp - New York Jets Football - NJ.com

Word out of New York is that rookie Vernon Gholston has been slow in adjusting to linebacker after playing his college ball at defensive end, but that his speed off the edge has been readily apparent. He offers a defensive element the Jets haven?t had in years.

The Way We Hear It - NFL pro football rumors and insider news from Pro Football Weekly

Vernon Gholston recorded a sack and by all counts played very well. Bryan Thomas had a big day with 2 sacks, and David Bowens also threw one in as well. You have to feel great about the Jets depth at the linebacker position. Thomas is focused after having a down year last season, and seeing the Jets bring in two guys at his position, Gholston has the athletic gifts to contribute right away, and Calvin Pace is a good all around player. Don?t sleep on Bowens either, he has a great motor and could see reps at both inside and outside linebacker this year.

The Cockpit | MVN - a New York Jets blog ? Blog Archive ? Jets - 10 Jets - 7: Pennington Gets Slight Edge Over Clemens

 

[Buckskin86]

An inside look at the New York Jets' preseason opener
Friday, August 08, 2008
STAR-LEDGER STAFF REPORT

LB Vernon Gholston. He wasn't an overwhelming presence, but give him time. As he works his way into the mix, the Jets' No. 1 draft pick will start to make a difference.

An inside look at the New York Jets' preseason opener - NJ.com

Gholston sees action

While he was listed as the backup to outside linebacker Bryan Thomas, Jets' sixth overall pick Vernon Gholston saw action early, mainly on third down. The junior from Ohio State signed a reported five-year, $40 million contract with at least $20 million guaranteed.

He will eventually be the third Jets' starter from OSU, joining center Nick Mangold and kicker Mike Nugent.

http://www.ohio.com/sports/browns/26408784.html

 

[cincibuck]

I hate having to root for the Jets...

 

[NJ-Buckeye]

I can become a semi-Jets fan... numerous reasons now...

 

[PlanetFrnd]

Yup. Big Vern, Mangold, Noog... the coach that exposed the Pats for cheating J!E!T!S! Jets!

 

[scarletandgrey]

I hate having to root for the Jets...

I can become a semi-Jets fan... numerous reasons now...

[quote='BusNative;122599;0]Yup. Big Vern, Mangold, Noog... the coach that exposed the Pats for cheating J!E!T!S! Jets![/quote]


I've been a JETS fan for a while...The influx of OSU greats made it that much sweeter.

Too bad they're going to be decent this year I was hoping for "Beanie" in the draft next year...:p

 

[Buckskin86]

Gholston slowly learning Jets' defense
The Associated Press
Published: August 15, 2008

HEMPSTEAD, N.Y.: Vernon Gholston was a dominant force in college, capable of taking over games with his pass-rushing prowess.

A few weeks into his first NFL training camp with the New York Jets, the big rookie is still trying to figure things out.

"You're just trying to learn what's going on and where to be at," the No. 6 overall pick said. "It's a little frustrating, but it's what you go through when you first start out. Everybody can relate to that."

Gholston has been refreshingly open and humble about his struggles to catch on to the Jets' 3-4 defensive system and his switch from defensive end to outside linebacker. Early in camp, Gholston said he was "drowning" in practices and was anxious to contribute.

"When I first came, it was more, 'Wow, we have to know this, we have to remember this, we have to remember to do that,'" he said. "Now, it's more, 'What was this on this play?' as opposed to not knowing anything."

The 6-foot-3, 264-pound Gholston set an Ohio State record with 14 sacks last season and is expected to improve the Jets' pass rush. In New York's 3-4 defense, Gholston will be asked to stand up as a linebacker more after playing mostly from a three-point stance in college.

"My biggest thing is always knowing where you need to be, knowing what's going on," he said. "From there, you can get the job accomplished. It's not necessarily easy to go out there and play hard, but if you go out there and not know what you're doing, you may accidentally make a couple of plays, you may accidentally give up some plays. More likely, you'll give up more than you make. My thing is, if I know what I'm doing, know where I'm supposed to be, hopefully I won't give up too many at all."

Gholston slowly learning Jets' defense - International Herald Tribune

New York Jets' rookie Gholston struggling to adjust
by Dave Hutchinson/The Star-Ledger
Thursday August 14, 2008

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.

New York Jets' rookie Gholston struggling to adjust - New York Jets Football - NJ.com

 

[osugrad21]

Link

First-rounder Vernon Gholston more like a ghost so far for Jets

BY RICH CIMINI
DAILY NEWS SPORTS WRITER
Sunday, August 17th 2008, 10:15 PM
Rookie outside linebacker Vernon Gholston made quite an impression Saturday night on the man who blocked him.
"I tell you what," Redskins left tackle Chris Samuels said after the game, "he's ripped."
Unfortunately for Gholston and the Jets, the NFL isn't a Mr. America contest.
Gholston, the No. 6 overall pick, is struggling mightily. Before the draft, he awed scouts with his freakish speed - 4.58 in the 40-yard dash - but he isn't playing fast because he appears tentative. He's learning a new position and he fell behind after missing most of spring drills because of school obligations, which may explain the slow start. The Jets hope that's all it is.
In six plays with the starting defense and 24 with the second team, the former Ohio State standout recorded only two solo tackles (one was a push-out) and no quarterback pressures in the Jets' 13-10 loss to the Redskins. He was used in two roles - a down lineman on passing downs and an outside linebacker in the base defense, often dropping into coverage.
Afterward, Gholston showed no discouragement.
"I felt a lot more comfortable out there," said Gholston, who also didn't make any impact plays in the first game in Cleveland. "I'm starting to see the bigger picture a little more. ... Once I got to the point where I can stop thinking about everything, and do it naturally, I expect to be a lot better."

Cont...