WATCH: 2X national champ Brandon Spikes finally graduates from Florida after leaving for NFL 14 years ago 

Former Florida Gators linebacker Brandon Spikes is considered a legend at the program for his role in winning two BCS national championships during the tenure of coach Urban Meyer. Spikes was selected in the second round of the 2010 NFL draft by the New England Patriots, and 14 years after leaving Florida, he returned to finally complete his studies and graduate.

He returned to coach Billy Napier's staff as a student assistant coach last year and graduated on Saturday alongside former players including Fred Taylor, Parker Valby, Trinity Thomas and Dudley Hart.

Spikes earned his bachelor's degree in Anthropology in spring.

Brandon Spikes' value to the Gators praised

Brandon Spikes earned consecutive All-American honors and finished his Gators career with 307 tackles, 31.5 for loss, one forced fumble, nine pass breakups, six interceptions, 6.5 sacks and two touchdowns.

For his role in coach Urban Meyer's double national championship-winning team, Spikes was inducted into the University of Florida's Athletic Hall of Fame in 2020 along with fellow legend, quarterback Tim Tebow, and wide receiver/punt returner Brandon James.

Coach Billy Napier was enthusiastic about the prospect of bringing back a Gators legend to serve on his staff, showering Brandon Spikes with praise in an in-house interview.

"He (Spikes) really cares about the University of Florida and what this place did for him not only as a football player but as a man, as a student. That helped get his path in life, and he's had legitimate success at the professional level," Napier said. "Immediately, he brings credibility, pedigree, production, and I respect Brandon.

"Brandon is very intelligent. He's been around a lot of football, a lot of players, a lot of coaches, a lot of teams."

After getting hired, the personable Spikes told UF about the contribution that he hopes to impart to the student-athletes at his alma mater.

"Timing is everything," Spikes said. "[Coach Napier] has the right mindset. He's a winner, and I want to be a part of that. And it's home. I'm in a great place mentally, and I can help. I just want to bring value and basically get this thing back to how we left it.

"I've seen how it should be done. You don't come to Florida to be mediocre. The bar is set, and I will do everything in my power to enforce what is set here."

Brandon Spikes is a veritable Florida Gators legend mentoring the team under coach Napier, who is trying to regain the highs of the Urban Meyer days when they were the toast of college football.