Brandon Spikes

[BradyManny]

Major Wright isn't even the best safety on the UF roster. And there are those around the program who claim he isn't one of the two best safeties on the UF roster.

While I agree that for whatever reason Spikes was particularly active against Oklahoma, I disagree that he can't take on big offensive linemen. I thought he was terrific against Alabama, whose OL is probably just as good as Oklahoma's.

Doesn't matter, because the word is that Spikes will be back at UF next year.

Good to know from someone who watches him more than me, I will take your word for it. I've seen highlights where he was taking on big guys and certainly looked strong enough to do it, but I've never sat down and focused on him like I did for the bowl game, and maybe it was just an off day.

 

[TheKraftyOne]

Major Wright isn't even the best safety on the UF roster. And there are those around the program who claim he isn't one of the two best safeties on the UF roster.

While I agree that for whatever reason Spikes was particularly active against Oklahoma, I disagree that he can't take on big offensive linemen. I thought he was terrific against Alabama, whose OL is probably just as good as Oklahoma's.

Doesn't matter, because the word is that Spikes will be back at UF next year.

That's an interesting comment. Maybe you should drop Meyer a line and tell him he's making a mistake starting Wright. Let me know if he thanks you for your helpful insight.

 

[Box_O_Rocks]

I also like NT boo robinson in round 3

I haven't read where Boo Robinson has declared?

 

[Gator Mike]

That's an interesting comment. Maybe you should drop Meyer a line and tell him he's making a mistake starting Wright. Let me know if he thanks you for your helpful insight.

I wouldn't presume to know who the two best safeties on the UF roster are because I rarely see meaningful plays from anyone except Ahmad Black and Major Wright. There are people who watch all the practices and scrimmages who say true freshman Will Hill is just as good, if not better than Wright. I have no idea if this is true or not.

I do know that Wright tends to go for the big hit too often, sometimes takes bad angles, and drops interceptions he should make.

 

[MetalBleachers]

If Spikes is not available I do think that some of the DE/LB prospects could move inside and play SILB, particularly both Connor Barwin (my binky) and Clint Sintim.

After watching him play, I'm off the Connor Barwin bandwagon. He puts his hand on the ground and runs past the tackle. He's quick and athletic, but I didn't see a real transition from straight-ahead burst to playing in space. Not that he couldn't learn OLB, but I wonder how long that would take?

Sintim has played standing up at UVA, learning a 3-4 under Al Groh (and if you think that doesn't give him an advantage, just ask Vince Redd). Sintim would be more likely to convert to ILB than Barwin.

All in all, lots of high level defenders available in the first two rounds. I'm happy.

 

[mayoclinic]

After watching him play, I'm off the Connor Barwin bandwagon. He puts his hand on the ground and runs past the tackle. He's quick and athletic, but I didn't see a real transition from straight-ahead burst to playing in space. Not that he couldn't learn OLB, but I wonder how long that would take?

Sintim has played standing up at UVA, learning a 3-4 under Al Groh (and if you think that doesn't give him an advantage, just ask Vince Redd). Sintim would be more likely to convert to ILB than Barwin.

All in all, lots of high level defenders available in the first two rounds. I'm happy.

I still prefer Barwin, but I'm happy letting BB (or "Baserio") decide between him and Sintim if both are available. As you say, lots of high level defenders available to choose from.

 

[Kontradiction]

Wow. As a Gator fan, you guys need to watch more Gator football. Brandon Spikes is a BEAST... pure and simple. If he came out in the draft this year, I would love to have him (as I'm sure BB is). The reason he didn't look that active in the National Championship game (which is what I'm sure most of you are going on) is because Spikes was going up against a terrific offensive line and was constantly drawing double teams since he was the point of focus for their blocks. That is the reason why Carlos Dunlap, the MVP of the NCG who was otherwise just "decent" all season long, had a monster game.

Spikes is 6'3", 275 pounds of solid muscle and is deceptively fast. He had 93 Total Tackles in 2008, 52 Solo, 41 assists, 8 sacks, and 4 Interceptions. I, for one, am overjoyed that he's coming back... as a Gator fan. As an even bigger Pats fan, I'm saddened. Spikes is going to have a monster year at Florida in 2009 in such a way that, when he does come out, we will not be in the position to get him.

 

[mayoclinic]

I haven't watched that much of him, but Brandon Spikes is not 275 lbs by any stretch of the imagination.

 

[Kontradiction]

I haven't watched that much of him, but Brandon Spikes is not 275 lbs by any stretch of the imagination.

Oops. You got me on a typo. Give me a break, pal, it's my first time posting in 2 weeks. 245 lbs. *** according to ESPN although I do not know if that is a give or take situation since his 2008 stats are off.

Brandon Spikes Stats, News, Photos - Florida Gators - NCAA College Football - ESPN

 

[mayoclinic]

Oops. You got me on a typo. Give me a break, pal, it's my first time posting in 2 weeks. 245 lbs. *** according to ESPN although I do not know if that is a give or take situation since his 2008 stats are off.

Brandon Spikes Stats, News, Photos - Florida Gators - NCAA College Football - ESPN

No problem with the type - just pointing it out.

For the record, I thought Spikes was excellent this year and would have loved to pair him with Mayo. I thought that he showed excellent ability to take on OLs that would make him a good match at SILB. Too bad, but it's not going to happen this year.

I hope we address SILB in the 2009 draft (I like the idea of converting Connor Barwin or Clint Sintim inside), but if we don't then don't rule out the possibility of still getting someone like Spikes next year. When Maualuga went back to school last year everyone assumed he would be a top 10 pick in 2009, but it is much more likely he will go within reach of where we could trade up to get him if we really wanted him (I don't), and he could even fall to us at #23. A lot can happen in a year. Rolando McClain from Alabama may declare next year and would give Spikes a good run for #1 ILB, at least at this early point. You never know. But we certainly can't count on it.