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The Vernon Gholston scouting report is filled with early ups paired with plenty of recent downs. The 6’4”, 264 giant from Detroit, Michigan, made a name for himself by starting every game at DE during his last two years with Ohio State. His last year in particular was superb, amassing 15.5 negative-yardage tackles, 14 of which were sacks. His Ohio State totals as a starter included 86 tackles, 30.5 negative-yardage tackles, and 22.5 sacks with one interception.

At the 2008 combine, Vernon Gholston posted a striking 4.67 during his 40-yard dash, tied for best at the bench press with 37 reps, while his 35 1/2” vertical and broad jump distance of 10’5” boasted of innate athleticism. His value increased with his ability to play in a 4-3 as a defensive end or as an outside linebacker in a 3-4. The New York Jets chose him sixth in the first round of the 2008 NFL Draft and initial forecasts pegged him as a starter. Gholston’s promise fizzled, however, as he has been relegated to mostly special teams play. Pundits are labeling him a bust, and a recent restructure to his deal is fueling rumors that the Jets will soon release him.

One of Gholston’s main deficiencies is his inability to get beneath tackles on his way to the quarterback. He also does not appear to have good control of his body. As plays unfold, he is unable to correct his routes or reverse momentum in time to complete his rushes. He shows too much hesitation and uncertainty, and because of it he has developed a penchant for getting blocked. He also shows weak tackling skills in run coverage, registering only a handful of negative-yardage tackles in two seasons. Gholston’s size often draws a double team, but he has yet to display the finer dynamics of breaking through offensive lines even in one-on-one situations. Until he does, he will continue seeing more time on the bench and may see his career in the NFL come to a quick end.

Football, or soccer as it’s known in the western hemisphere is the most widely played sport on the planet.  It doesn’t take much to get football fans excite about a big tournament, and the Europa League, is just one such event.  It was previously known as the UEFA league, but has since been given a face lift by the marketing gurus to a moniker that should be a little more fan friendly.  At least, that’s the hope.  Like all high profile football leagues, there is europa league betting at a number of places.  It’s a fun activity that is sure to get fans just a little more interested in the outcome of the matches.

Like most high level tournaments, there are qualifying and championship rounds leading up to a semi finals and finals match.  These different phases are often referred to as the qualifying rounds, the group phase, the knockout phase and the finals.  There are a fair number of teams involved in the tournament.  In total there are fourty eight teams, broken down into twelve different groups.  It’s a tournament with a long tradition, considering the first UEFA match was played in the early 1970′s.  With millions of Euros up for grabs, you can rest assured that all teams will be in highly competitive form.  The two final teams will get one million each just for playing, plus another million for the winner.

My knowledge of Argentine football is pretty poor I know of Maradona, his golden hand and that the national team wears sky blue and white jerseys. On a recent visit to the Argentine capital, Buenos Aires, I thought it was time to expand my football knowledge and there is no better way of doing that than going to a football match.

I knew of only two teams in the national league, River Plate and Boca Juniors. When these two main rivals play against each other it is known as a suprerclasico, the match may not be the best of the season but the crowd and atmosphere have made it one of the top sporting events to visit in your life, or so says Life Magazine! Read the rest of this entry »