AUBURN, Ala. – Takeo Spikes prepared for his SEC Network debut with the same intensity he displayed when getting ready for games during his 15-year NFL career.
Three-a-days, starting at 5 a.m. Studying video and reading everything he could find on SEC personnel, nearly 100 hours of preparation during a 10-day crash course in Southeastern Conference football.
"I had to get caught up," said Spikes, who first appeared on the network during 2022 SEC Media Days in Atlanta.
In addition to his All-Pro status and credentials as a 2015 SEC Legend and member of the Alabama Sports Hall of Fame, Spikes brings plenty of broadcasting expertise to his new job, having covered the NFL for Fox Sports Southwest and analyzed ACC games.
"I've always had my eye on the SEC Network," Spikes said. "To me, this is the epitome of excellence when you talk about a collegiate athlete playing football. It gets no better than this."
After his daily SEC Network appearances during media days, Spikes critiqued his broadcasting performance, just as he did during his playing days.
"I do it every night because that's the only way you're going to get better," he said. "Same formula when I played the game. Different arena.
"I'm pleased but I'm not satisfied. I know it's only going to get better, especially when you can take names and actually see them play. I can't wait to continue to grow. This is what I do. I love telling stories, I love sharing my experiences."
Twenty-five years earlier, Spikes represented Auburn at 1997 SEC Media Days prior to earning All-America honors while leading Auburn to its first SEC Championship Game appearance before getting picked in the first round of the 1998 NFL Draft.
"Seeing the magnitude of what media days has grown into compared to back in 1997, it was in Birmingham and was nothing like this," he said. "You've got guys wearing tailored suits. I love it!"
Sharp dressed: Takeo Spikes with Auburn standouts Tank Bigsby, Derick Hall and John Samuel Shenker at SEC Media Days
It's been a quarter century since Takeo Spikes played for the Tigers, but his passion for Auburn remains fervent, as fans who've seen his 2018 hype video can attest.
"I don't know if we're going to win the SEC," said Spikes, switching pronouns to better project the neutrality and objectivity required from broadcasters covering all 14 SEC teams instead of one. "What I do know is not only are they going to give their all, but I do believe we will play some inspired football this year and you will see guys out there on the football field who really want to be there."
Takeo the broadcaster resembles Takeo the linebacker. When fans tune into the SEC Network, they won't have to wonder where Spikes stands.
"What I'm going to bring to the analysis is bold, energetic and a thoughtfulness to where I'm going to call it like I see it," he said. "I'm a high-energy guy. That's the way I do everything in life.
"I would say to all the viewers, when you tune in and you hear me talk, be prepared for bold analysis. Be prepared to be engaged, and it's definitely going to be entertaining."
Takeo Spikes (middle) with Auburn's Bryan Harsin on SEC Network during 2022 SEC Media Days
25 years after representing @AuburnFootball at #SECMD, @TakeoSpikes51 is back: the newest member of @SECNetwork
— Jeff Shearer (@jeff_shearer) July 21, 2022
Takeo calls the @SEC "the epitome of excellence."
What will fans see from Takeo when they tune in?
"Bold analysis. I'm going to call it like I see it."#WarEagle pic.twitter.com/mv6F4KT7Uv
Jeff Shearer is a Senior Writer at AuburnTigers.com. Follow him on Twitter: @jeff_shearer