By: Mark Stainton

Three juniors at the University of Florida had a decision to make after the Gators beat Oklahoma for the National Championship. One junior was a lifetime Gator fan, and loved the university too much to
seriously consider leaving early. It also helped that ‘experts’ didn’t think he would be drafted high. He stayed. The other junior was a sure first-rounder and a guy that is as explosive as you might ever see
in college football. He left. The third junior had the real decision. He was told he would be drafted somewhere in between the other two juniors. He probably wouldn’t go first round, but he wouldn’t drop past the third. He loved UF and playing for these fans and coaches and playing with this group of players, but he had some other concerns on his mind.

Brandon Spikes brother is in prison. Breyon Middlebrooks was sentenced to life without parole after being found guilty of murdering a man in a drug deal gone bad. Spike’s believes his brother is innocent and it would be proven if he could just get his brother some better lawyers. Enter the N.F.L. With the money he would be making as a professional, Spikes could no doubt get some better lawyers for his
brother. Brandon didn’t have the usual decision of making nothing while being a king in the college football world for one more year versus making millions while starting at the bottom of the totem pole as a pro. His decision was about family. His decision was tougher than just about any college junior had to make.

Spikes can improve his draft stock and be a sure first-rounder in the 2010 draft while also helping return one of the best Gator defenses in the history of their program. Once Brandon decided he would return for his senior year, he said he felt like it was the right choice to come back. It is widely rumored that Spikes and Tebow agreed to come to the same school during the recruiting process, so it is fitting they will end their careers together as seniors for the Gators. The two players have been two of the best leaders in the history of the program, and I have little doubt they have big things in store for their senior years. Spike’s brother will have to wait one more year for those lawyers, but help is coming soon. Brandon always looks out for his family, as well as his family of Gators. I am sure all of Gator Nation was excited to hear Spikes was returning, but not everyone realized the sacrifices he was making to do so.