Position breakdown: Linebackers back in action

<p><B>The upside</B></p><p>Middle linebacker Brandon Spikes started playing (and leading) like a big-timer midway through last season as a true sophomore and continued to emerge as the leader of the defense in the spring. He's a preseason All-SEC pick and a strong All-America candidate heading into the season. He gives the Gators an imposing presence in the middle. Another junior, outside linebacker Dustin Doe, also gained great experience over the past two seasons (he's played in all 27 games of his career, with 13 starts) and now appears on the brink of a breakout year. At least that's what the coaches are expecting. Ryan Stamper is another experienced player, while true sophomores Brandon Hicks and Lorenzo Edwards are coming off strong spring performances.</p><p><B>The downside</B></p><p>Depth at middle linebacker is a major unknown (and concern). True freshman Brendan Beal enrolled early and participated in spring drills, showing a very aggressive and physical nature that is required at the position. But he still needs to catch up to the speed of the game and play more consistent in space, which should come with experience. The No. 3 middle linebacker heading into two-a-days is another true freshman, T.J. Pridemore, who also could get a look at fullback.</p><p><B>Young guy to watch</B></p><p>True freshman Lerentee McCray is going to need time to develop more size and strength, but he runs so well and is so instinctive that he could be a factor this fall on special teams and in a backup role at outside linebacker. He was recognized as the top athlete with the best closing speed at the Army All-American game. In his senior season at Dunnellon, he recorded nine sacks and averaged a whopping 17 tackles a game. If McCray shows he can play, it could free up outside linebacker A.J. Jones to move to strong safety, where the Gators lack experience and depth. </p><p><b>Ranking the SEC linebackers</b></p><p>1. Auburn</p><p>2. Georgia</p><p>3. LSU</p><p>4. Florida</p><p>5. Tennessee</p><p>6. South Carolina</p><p>7. Mississippi State</p><p>8. Mississippi</p><p>9. Alabama</p><p>10. Kentucky</p><p>11. Arkansas</p><p>12. Vanderbilt</p>