He played college football for the Ohio State Buckeyes and was selected sixth overall by the New York Jets in the 2008 NFL draft.
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.
Gholston attended Ohio State University, redshirting in 2005 after suffering a broken left hand in the season opener.
In 2006, he earned Second-team All-Big Ten honors from both the league's coaches and the media while starting 13 games.
National Conference Gholston declared for the 2008 NFL draft and was projected as a top 10 pick.
He tied the highest bench press score at the NFL combine with 37 repetitions at 225 pounds (102 kg; 16.1 st).
[3] Gholston was selected by the New York Jets in the first round with the sixth overall pick in the 2008 NFL draft.