The Retort

Draft Preview: Pounding the Spike

January 29th, 2010 by Joe Olivo Of The Retort Staff

The beast of the south, Brandon Spikes, was a stand out, and unquestioned leader of Florida's defense since taking over at middle linebacker. Spikes was born in Shelby, North Carolina, and he went to high school at Crest Senior High, where he played linebacker. Coming out of high school he was the top rated player in the state and the number one linebacker prospect according to Rivals.com.

Spikes chose to attend the University of Florida over the likes of Alabama and Virginia Tech. In 2006, his freshman year, he saw limited action and recorded only 15 tackles. In 2007, he took over as the starting middle linebacker for the Gators, recording 131 tackles and being named to the All SEC Team.

In his junior season he had another outstanding year. He recorded 93 tackles, was again named to the All SEC Team, in addition to being named an All American. Spikes was also a finalist for the Nagurski, Lombardi, and Bednarik Awards.

His greatest accomplishment came before the season started however, when he was voted by his teammates as a captain. In his senior year he was again named an All American and to the SEC team. His character was, for the first time, brought under question this year. In a game against Georgia he was clearly caught on camera gouging the eyes of Georgia running back Washaun Ealey. He was promptly suspended for the first half of Florida's next game against rival Vanderbilt. Although the suspension was accept by the SEC commission Spikes chose, instead, to sit out the entire game to prevent causing a distraction for his teammates.

While he will no doubt have to answer questions about this incident on his trip to the NFL, he will not have to answer any about his skills. He may have been the best form tackler in college football this season. Spikes is quick in transition and flies to the football. He is able to close the gap between himself and the ball carrier far faster than a player of his size should be able to.

One possible question is his straight speed. He currently runs around a 4.70 40-yard dash. If Spikes can get it down to a 4.60 or lower he will see his draft stock rise from the middle of the first round to a possible top ten pick. His best asset may be his on-the-field-leadership. His coaches and teammates constantly rave about his ability to lead and direct his team, while calling plays and making adjustments.

Despite any questions that he may need to answer, one thing is certain; this spike is the hammer.

Height: 6’3”

Weight: 255 lbs.

Comparable at the next level: New York Jets, Bart Scott

Projected Draft Spot: 12th overall, Miami Dolphins