William Gholston to declare for 2013 NFL Draft, according to report

Defensive end William Gholston will enter the 2013 NFL Draft and forego his senior season at Michigan State. Gholston informed coach Mark Dantonio earlier in the week in an emotional meeting.

Gholston was the first ever five-star recruit that committed to the Spartans. He recorded 4.5 sacks and 59 tackles during his junior season, 13 for loss. He also defended 10 passes and forced one fumble. He was a second-team All-Big Ten selection and certainly has the size to be an NFL player at 6'7, 278 pounds. He is projected to be a third or fourth round draft pick and joins Dion Sims and Le'Veon Bell who have also declared for the draft after their junior seasons.

The recent birth of Gholston's first child may have played a part in his decision to turn pro. He will be replaced in the starting lineup by Shilique Calhoun, who just finished his redshirt freshman season.