All-time Michigan State football defensive starters from Mark Dantonio era

Defensive end 2: William Gholston

The second defensive end I’m selecting to the all-time defense from the Dantonio era is William Gholston.

Gholston is another three-year player for Michigan State from 2010-2012, but he was still able to add his name to the record books even after playing just three seasons. In just 36 games played and 24 starts, Gholston totaled 142 tackles, 30 tackles for loss, and 10 sacks. Those 30 tackles for loss was good enough to finish 10th all time in Michigan State history. Just imagine how much higher he’d be on that list had he played one more season in East Lansing.

Gholston went on to be a two time selection to the All-Big Ten second team in 2011 and 2012. He also won defensive player of the game in the Spartans' 2012 Buffalo Wild Wings bowl win over TCU 17-16.

Gholston was selected in the fourth round of the 2013 NFL Draft by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. He’s spent his entire NFL career in Tampa Bay so far and won the 2021 Super Bowl with the Buccaneers. Gholston just signed another one-year contract to continue playing for Tampa Bay again this season.