Vernon Gholston

Vernon Gholston (born June 5, 1986) is a former American football defensive end in the National Football League (NFL). He played college football at Ohio State and was drafted sixth overall by the New York Jets in the 2008 NFL Draft. In three seasons with the Jets, he started just five games, and never recorded a sack. He is considered to be one of the biggest draft busts in NFL history. He was also a member of the Chicago Bears and St. Louis Rams.

Early years

As a senior at Cass Technical High School, Gholston emerged as one of the top prospects in the Midwest after registering 75 tackles, including six sacks, as a linebacker and also earning an All-State selection as an offensive guard.

College career

Gholston attended Ohio State University, redshirting in 2005 after suffering a broken left hand in the season opener. In his freshman season he played defensive end, though recruited as a linebacker. He eventually moved up to the number 2 spot behind Mike Kudla.

In 2006 he earned Second-team All-Big Ten honors from both the league's coaches and the media while starting 13 games. Gholston had 49 tackles and his 18 tackles behind the line of scrimmage, which led the team, included 7.5 quarterback sacks, ranked second on the team. He also intercepted his first pass in the win over Bowling Green.