Freshman William Gholston came to Michigan State without a true position. He was recruited to play linebacker out of high school, but Gholston started practicing at both LB and defensive end with the Spartans. The reason for him lining up at two positions was simple -- he is athletic enough to be standing up as a linebacker or to be on the line as a defensive end.
↵Because of Gholston's versatility, it was expected that MSU would use a lot of 3-4 sets this upcoming season. They already have a few talented linebackers, and adding Gholston into the mix in a 3-4 would add even more talent to the position.
↵As it turns out, though, Gholston will not see action at linebacker anymore, because he has decided to be a defensive end and only a defensive end.
↵↵↵"That was his decision," Dantonio said. "If he made that move I wanted it to be his decision. We never planted a seed. I think as he continued to rush the passer he saw himself as a guy that could help a little more in that area."
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While the Spartans will lose Gholston's talents as a linebacker, there's no doubt he upgrades the defensive end position in a big way. Sports Illustrated expects he will make an immediate impact in 2010 and they're probably right. Gholston is very athletic and will now look to wreak havoc on opposing offensive lines from a position he seems to be more comfortable with.