Scouting Report: William Gholston, DE - Detroit, MI

Gholston is a heavy Michigan State lean, and I think there's a very slim chance that Michigan secures his commitment. But he's perhaps the best player in the state of Michigan, so I thought I'd do a little research and film study.

Height: 6'7"
Weight: 237 lbs.
Position: Linebacker
Jersey number: #2
School: Southeastern High School in Detroit, MI
40 Yard Dash: 4.5 seconds (reported)

Notes: Holds offers from Alabama, Florida, Florida State, Illinois, Iowa, LSU, Miami, Michigan, MSU, Notre Dame, Oregon, Purdue, Tennessee, and Wisconsin, among others . . . 101 tackles, 22 TFLs, 15 sacks, 4 forced fumbles, and 2 fumbles recovered as a junior in 2008 . . . 108 tackles, 19 sacks as a sophomore in 2007 at Detroit Mumford. . . 75 tackles, 9 sacks as a freshman in 2006 at Detroit Mumford. . . 55 catches for 970 yards and 14 TDs in high school career so far . . . Plays LB and TE . . . #44 in initial Rivals 100 . . . #57 on Scout

Scouting report: Keeps his shoulders square when scraping down the line . . . Plays downhill and fills the hole well . . . Maintains good knee bend and balance, which is difficult for someone who's 6'7" . . . Has excellent speed for his size . . . Has speed and motor to play sideline to sideline . . . Does a good job of pursuing from the backside . . . Runs with good body lean . . . Plays with good pad level from the linebacker position . . . Willing to lay out and put his body on the line to make plays . . . Listed at 6'7" but plays like a smaller, more agile linebacker . . . Needs to improve upper body strength . . . Does a poor job of disengaging from blockers, attacking them head up rather than shedding with one forearm/shoulder . . . As a down lineman, stands up too high and needs to play with a lower pad level

Projection: Gholston will end up at defensive end in a 4-3 defense, but could play outside linebacker in a 3-4. He will be a very good player in a "Big Six" program and could play at a high level as early as his sophomore year. However, he may need to adjust to playing with his hand down, which might slow his development.