Former Florida middle linebacker Brandon Spikes, who went silent early in two-a-days last August, still isn’t talking.
Ever the good teammate, Spikes showed up on the practice field Wednesday morning to offer support for the four former Gators going through Pro Day II before about a dozen NFL scouts. Also present was Spikes’ agent, Terry Watson, who also represents running back/receiver/kick returner Brandon James, who worked out Wednesday.
Given the relaxed setting Wednesday morning, I asked Watson if Spikes would agree to a brief interview about the upcoming draft, thinking this might be a good time. After consulting with Spikes, Watson said his client still would rather not talk.
Spikes may not be talking to the media, but Watson said he’s been talking to a lot of NFL teams. Watson said Spikes has received a great deal of interest from the Eagles, Redskins, Patriots, Steelers, Dolphins, Browns, Buccaneers and Bills.
Spikes’ draft stock appeared to slip somewhat when he ran a 4.9 40-yard dash at the first Pro Day on March 17. But Watson said its back up now that teams have been interviewing Spikes and looking at lots of tape of the middle linebacker who made so many plays in his four years at UF.
“They say he is an A-plus in terms of linebacker instincts,” Watson said. “They’re putting a lot into what they’re seeing on tape. They’re seeing that Brandon is a player, and that’s a big thing.”
Watson said the teams that seem to be showing the most interest in Spikes are ones that run a 3-4 defense. Other teams are looking at him as a middle linebacker in a traditional 4-3 defense.
I noticed later on this year. I understand he had a heel issue, but several times slow qb’s ivaded what should have been imo sacks if not throw aways. The heel and extra weight he gained going into his senior year in my eyes definetly slowed him down. Also when he blitzed the edge was ran up field way to many times I think Spikes has a better chance of a traditional style middle linebacker than a guy on the edge.
Shy guy who is gonna be rich guy. Last year might have been sometimes a little humbling (UGA and SECCG) for Spikes and that might be a good thing going forward…
Spikes is a winner period! He dont have to prove nothing to nobody, gator fans know! He has been solid throughout his career and a vital part of recent success here
IF YOU KNOW WHERE THE PLAY IS GOING(INSTINCTS) 90% OF THE TIME, WHAT DO YOU NEED SPEED FOR. THE GUY IS ALREADY HEADING IN THE DIRECTION OF THE BALL BY THE TIME ALL THE SPEEDSTERS FIGURE OUT WHO HAS THE BALL, SO SPEED IS NOT THAT IMPORTANT TO A RUN STOPPING MIDDLE LINEBACKER. INSTINCTS IS A MIDDLE LINEBACKERS BEST ASSET. LEAVE THE SPEED TO THE GUYS ON THE OUTSIDE!