Like Father, Like Son

His father was well-known for making his share of big plays at Louisiana-Monroe and later with the Miami Dolphins, whether it was on offense or special teams. These days, Irving Spikes Jr., is doing the same at the prep level and was busy racking up impressive numbers last fall at Resurrection Catholic High School as a junior.

Spikes lined up at running back, safety and also returned kickoffs and punts. The 6-foot-1 and 195-pound Spikes had 1,497 yards and 12 touchdowns and also had 354 receiving yards and three more scores. On defense, Spikes collected an amazing 173 tackles and 10 interceptions and had 1,338 return yards and two touchdowns on special teams.

But for the most part, said the younger Spikes, he favors the defensive side of the ball.

"I really like playing defense the most and I also like returning kicks," said Spikes. "I like hitting people and getting after the ball and making big plays on defense. It just seems like you are making bigger plays on defense when you score than when you reach the end zone on offense."

Concerning his recruiting, Spikes has already attended junior day at Mississippi State and is planning a couple of camp trips this summer.

"I went to Mississippi State's junior day and right now I don't have any other scheduled," said Spikes. "But I've been invited to camps at Alabama and Mississippi State. I know for sure I will be back at Mississippi State for their camp."

Spikes also noted more of his junior day experience at Mississippi State.

"I liked their campus and their down-to-earth coaches," said Spikes. "It is a beautiful place and I got a good feel for their program. Right now they said they weren't sure of my position but they said they like my size and play-making ability. They also talked a lot about academics and what we all have to do in order to get to the next level. They were stressing the importance of taking the ACT early and how important is what to prepare for that test."

Spikes said he was drawing the most interest from a trio of SEC West schools and one of those programs has caught his eye early in his recruitment.

"The main schools showing me interest are Mississippi State, Ole Miss and Alabama," said Spikes. "I like all of them and all of them have good programs. But Mississippi State is really sticking out to me the most right now. I like their atmosphere over there. I really hope they offer me after seeing more of me this spring and summer. That would be a great offer to get."