Brandon Spikes

OLB, ILB · Florida
Spikes, a first-team All-SEC selection each of the past three years, wasn't the most popular quarterback in Gainesville. But he was arguably just as effective as the quarterback of the defense. Rated the top senior linebacker in the country by BLESTO and National Scouting services prior to the 2009 season, Spikes had 307 tackles, 31.5 tackles for loss, 6.5 sacks and six interceptions in his career. However, Spikes' production fell dramatically each of his three seasons. In 2007, Spikes posted an impressive 131 tackles, including 16 tackles for loss. He followed that up with 93 tackles, eight tackles for loss, four interceptions -- two returned for scores -- and two sacks in '08. Bothered by a strained groin as a senior, Spikes production fell to 68 tackles, including 6.5 tackles for loss, three sacks and two interceptions. Some of Spikes' decline in production has to do with his teammates around him developing while teams did a better job scheming to stop Spikes. While he's athletic enough in coverage and as a blitzer that some scouts feel he'll adjust nicely outside, Spikes' value lies in his versatility and explosiveness. His 5.0 40 at his pro day (didn't run at the Combine) will make teams wonder about his speed, however, and may cost him a spot in the top two or three rounds.