Brandon Spikes Scouting Report

Since playing a backup role as a freshman, Spikes has helped both his draft stock and the Gators while roaming the middle of the defense in Gainesville. He started all 13 games at middle linebacker as a sophomore and picked up First Team All-SEC honors. He did the same as a junior in 2008, also adding First-Team All-American honors while recording 93 tackles and four interceptions. Through seven games of his final college season (he had missed two), Spikes was fourth on an undefeated Gator team with 42 total tackles. He also had three sacks and one interception. However, one of the games he missed was due to a suspension stemming from an alleged attempt to gouge the eyes of a Georgia running back. That cannot sit well with the Florida program or with NFL scouts.

What will sit well with scouts is Spikes' combination of size and speed. He stands at 6'3'' and has gotten progressively bigger and stronger throughout his career, now registering around 255 pounds. Size is his best asset, but he has adequate speed -- sometimes running under 4.7 in the 40-yard dash. He will make his living at the next level, however, with his instincts and toughness. Spikes is quick to the ball carrier and he is right at home in the hard-hitting SEC. In addition to stopping the run, Spikes is surprisingly efficient in pass defense for a linebacker of his size. Because he decided to return to school, Spikes looks like a sure thing first-rounder in the 2010 draft. If he can somehow get his 40 time around or under 4.6 at the NFL combine, Spikes could be off the board in the Top 10.