Gholston going pro, offers open letter to fans

EAST LANSING - Junior defensive end William Gholston announced Saturday night that he will forego his senior season with the Spartans and enter the NFL Draft.

In making the announcement, Gholston offered the following open letter to MSU fans, as released by the MSU sports information office:

I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone associated with Michigan State University, its athletic department as well as its football program for their endless support and commitment to me as a student-athlete.

For the past three years I have made East Lansing my home and I have created friendships and memories that will stay with me for the rest of my life. I am so grateful and fortunate to even be in the position that I am today and I know none of this would even be possible without the help and support of Spartan Nation.

In the days since our Buffalo Wild Wings Bowl victory, I have decided to forgo [sic] my senior year at Michigan State and declare for the 2013 NFL Draft. While I know I still have a great deal to accomplish, I am very excited about the challenges that the future holds and I promise to always represent the University with class, dignity, and professionalism.

From Coach Dantonio, to our entire staff, to my incredible teammates, to each of you unbelievable fans that back us each and every day, I just want to say thank you from the bottom of my heart.

Sincerely,

William Gholston