The college football season is over; withdrawals, depression, misery. Before you slip into an apathetic stupor for eight months, remember that the NFL Draft is just around the corner! From now until April's NFL Draft, I will be profiling some of the more interesting prospects. I can't promise that I'll get to your favorite player, but if you'd like to see a certain player profiled, shoot us an email and let us know.

- 2010 NFL Draft Player Rankings by Position

Brandon Spikes may lack quickness, athleticism and agility, but he makes up for it with impressive strength and football IQ. Spikes could easily find playing time early in his NFL career and might even settle into a spot on a starting roster from day one.

His athletic shortcomings may limit him in man coverage, but his intelligence on the field makes him a threat in zone coverage. He reads the quarterback well during passing plays and has 6 career interceptions to show for it (4 in 2008, 2 in 2009), 4 of which he took back for scores.

The senior linebacker emerged as the inspirational leader of the Florida defense and, if not for a troubling on-the-field issue (trying to eye gouge Georgia running back Washaun Ealey on Halloween night 2009 in response to getting poked in the eye himself earlier in the game), Spikes has not set off any character alarms.

The eye gouging incident apparently came up during the NFL Combine and, according to the Gainesville Sun, Spikes had an answer for scouts. He reportedly told them, "There were a lot of emotions going on. Both sides were taking shots at each other. But that's why I suspended myself. That's not the way the game is supposed to be played." He went on to say that he extended Urban Meyer's half-game suspension the following week to a full game because he didn't want young kids to think that that was how to play the game.

Spikes has drawn comparisons to several NFL inside linebackers, but the comparison that jumps out is Zach Thomas. Sure at 6'3 Spikes has more than a few inches on the 5'11 Thomas, but both are considered undervalued coming into the draft (Thomas more so than Spikes-he went in the 5th round of the 1996 draft), lead by example, are present on just about every play and boast the exceptional football intelligence required to play inside linebacker in the NFL.

Spikes could be seen leading the Florida defense in pregame and second-half 'pump-up sessions' (something Thomas was not known for), but he also leads his team with a quiet confidence (something that Thomas was known for).

Another of his attribute that stands out is his tackling. He doesn't just hit the opposition like many young players; he will wrap up and secure the tackle. His speed and quickness may limit him a bit in pursuit, but he makes up for it by anticipating plays and avoiding bad angles.

Despite racking up one more sack in 2009 than in 2008, most analysts recognize Spikes' junior campaign as more impressive pass-rushing-wise than his senior campaign. Keep in mind that Spikes was hampered for most of 2009 with injuries that may have affected his pass rush. This brings up the issue of durability and whether his injuries will carry over into his NFL career.

Even with all of his talent, football intelligence and leadership, Spikes will probably be on the board into the second round. Rolando McClain is the only inside linebacker expected to come off the board in the first round, but that's due to his tremendous upside. Inside linebackers have been known to slide down draft boards, so don't be surprised to see the same happen to Spikes.

A team like the Broncos, Patriots or Cowboys could give Spikes a new home sometime in Round 2. Miami recently added inside/outside linebacker Karlos Dansby, but the Dolphins may be willing to make room for the Florida linebacker to play alongside former Gator All-American Channing Crowder on the inside. If the Giants miss out on McClain in the first round, they may be interested in Spikes as well. Just a thought. - Danny Hobrock

Danny is a sports journalist primarily covering college football and professional baseball. His work for Xtra Point Football has garnered national attention and is critically acclaimed. Danny is the former editor of a political and current events website and the editor of our college football content.

• For more player profiles and complete coverage of this Year's NFL Draft, visit our NFL Draft Prospects Home Page with new profiles being added each week.

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