Brandon Spikes - Terror in The Swamp
Tuesday, October 28, 2008 | Football
By: Kelly Reynolds, UF Communications
The energy, the power and the quarterback of the University of Florida defense—all descriptions junior linebacker Brandon Spikes' teammates use to define his role on the No. 10 scoring defense in the country.
“He's a great leader,” said freshman linebacker Brendan Beal about the leadership Spikes has provided in Beal's inaugural campaign with the Gators. “Looking up to him and seeing what he's going to be in the future, he's probably going to be a first-rounder this year. Just to see the way he works is unbelievable.”
Spikes has captured the attention of the college football nation, his teammates, coaches, and of The Gator Nation alike, as one of the best linebackers in the country. Even with natural talent and a six-foot-three, 245-pound build to magnetize Spikes to opponent receivers, running backs and quarterbacks for sacks, tackles and interceptions, being a student-athlete at UF has served as a developmental phase in the person he has become.
When Spikes stepped foot in Gainesville, there was no doubt in anyone's mind that he would work his hardest to be a contributor to the high-octane Florida defense. Immediately proud to be a Gator, Spikes committed to Florida during the U.S. Army All-American Bowl on national TV showcasing a Gator chomp moment that remains fresh in every Gator follower's mind.
Being at the University of Florida is an opportunity that Spikes has made the most of since he arrived on campus, and he's determined to make the most of the remainder of his tenure as a Gator. After serving a quiet presence at linebacker during his true freshman season in 2006, playing in nine games, a different Spikes surfaced at the 2006 Tostitos BCS National Championship game. Stepping off the plane in Glendale, Ariz., Spikes donned a bright pink suit, made by his mother, which people still talk about today. Not only did Florida walk away from Arizona with its second National Championship following the 41-14 dismantling of Ohio State, but The Gator Nation saw Spikes in a different light from that point on—not just because of his crazy pink suit that fans admired, but because of the fierce competitor that emerged at the conclusion of the 2006 season.
Last season, Spikes stepped up as the leader of the defense, throttling UF opponents from the get go. Earning the starting spot at middle linebacker, Spikes recorded 131 total tackles, almost nine times as many as his 15 in 2006, on his way to reeling in first-team All-SEC accolades by vote of the league's head coaches and the Associated Press.
“Spikes really brings what the defense needs, he brings the energy and the power,” UF sophomore linebacker Brandon Hicks said. “When he gets it going, everyone gets going making plays, stops and interceptions.”
Spikes' momentum and aggressive character on the field not only energize his Florida teammates around him, but they serves as a standard for himself, so he's always working hard to surpass his own achievements each game. With Spikes at the helm of the UF defense, and since his emergence as a standout player, the Gator coaching staff expects nothing but the best from the Shelby, N.C., product.
“Spikes is an outstanding football player,” associate head coach and defensive coordinator Charlie Strong said. “He led our team in tackles last year and made all-conference. The thing about him is that he is so elusive and can make plays. He's a big hitter who's elusive enough that he can get to the place to make the play without getting hit. We expect big things out of him this year.”
Spikes hasn't let Strong or head coach Urban Meyer down this season. In fact, he has already had a career-best year, and has stepped up as a force, not only as an intricate portion of the defensive force, but as a team leader for Florida. One of the team captains, Spikes is a member of the 2008 Football Leadership Committee after also serving the committee in 2007. Through five games, Spikes has already accumulated 46 tackles, including 23 solo, to lead the Florida defense.
Additionally, Spikes has climbed to the top of the NCAA charts as one of only six linebackers in the nation to have two interceptions in a game this year. Spikes' first career interceptions came in the Gators' 51-21 domination of the defending national champion LSU Tigers. Not only did Spikes record two picks, but he racked up 55 return yards and ran one back for a touchdown as a result of the Tiger turnovers.
Two days after the victory over LSU, Spikes was named the SEC Defensive Player of the Week for his efforts against the Tigers, the first individual accolade of his career. Not only has he received recognition from the SEC, but this season Spikes was named to five Award watch lists, including the Chuck Bednarik, Bronko Nagurski, Butkus, Lombardi and Lott Trophy. Tabbed a preseason All-American and a preseason All-SEC selection, Spikes looks to continue to terrorize opponent offenses throughout the remainder of the season.
“He's the quarterback of our defense, and I really think his leadership is special,” defensive line coach Dan McCarney said. “Coach Strong and Coach Meyer asked him to step it up, and it was important for him to do that, not just leading by working hard and hitting running backs as hard as he can, but to lead vocally and be a guy everybody can rally around. I think he's that kind of guy, I really do. He loves to lead and has a real passion for it.”
Whether Spikes is terrorizing the Southeastern Conference on the field, energizing the squad with his enthusiasm, or providing entertainment with his sense of style, he'll continue to give the Gator defense the spark they thrive off of. The social and behavioral sciences major hopes that maybe he can lead the Gators on another national championship run, but that occasion might call for a different color suit.
