Blogging The Boys
Here is our scouting report on Maxwell Hairston from Kentucky
We continue our 2025 NFL Draft preview of draft prospects that could interest the Dallas Cowboys. Today we are looking at cornerback Maxwell Hairston from Kentucky.
CB
Kentucky Wildcats
Junior
3-star recruit
5’11”
183 lbs
Maxwell Hairston was born on August 6, 2003, in West Bloomfield, Michigan. During his senior year at West Bloomfield High School, he demonstrated exceptional defensive skills, recording 16 pass deflections, three interceptions, and three forced fumbles. His athletic versatility extended beyond football, as he also participated in basketball and track. Despite receiving offers from schools like Kansas, Minnesota, Purdue, Virginia Tech, and Washington State, Hairston committed to Kentucky, citing the program as his “dream school.”
In 2021, Hairston redshirted for his freshman year, focusing on developing his skills and understanding of the collegiate game. In 2022, as a redshirt freshman, he appeared in 12 games, primarily contributing on special teams and as a reserve defensive back. He recorded two total tackles, one solo and one assist.
In 2023, Hairston emerged as a key player in the Wildcats’ secondary. In 13 games, he amassed 68 total tackles, two tackles for loss, and led the SEC with five interceptions for 131 return yards and two pick-sixes. Additionally, he had six pass deflections and one forced fumble. Notably, in a game against Vanderbilt, he set a school record by returning two interceptions for touchdowns, earning him Second-Team All-SEC honors.
Despite being limited to seven games due to a shoulder injury in 2024, Hairston continued to showcase his defensive prowess. He recorded 19 total tackles, one tackle for loss, one sack, one interception returned for 25 yards and a touchdown, four pass deflections, and two forced fumbles. His performance once again earned Second-Team All-SEC recognition.
Hairston tied the Kentucky Wildcat’s record for most career interceptions returned for touchdowns with three, a record he shares with Dallas Owens back in 1974.
297 Defensive Snaps
142 Coverage Snaps
19 Total Tackles
1 Tackles For Loss
1 Sack
4 Pass Breakups
1 INT
1 INT-TD
1 Forced Fumble
78.2 Passer Rating Allowed
55% Completion Rate Allowed
2 Penalties
10-Yard Split- 1.50s (87%)
40-Yard Dash- 4.28 (99%)
Vert- 39.5” (89%)
Broad- 129” (89%)
Second-team All-SEC (2024)
Second-team All-SEC (2023)
Overall- 89.7
Speed-97
Acceleration- 85
Agility- 81
Strength- 62
Tackling- 77
Run Defense- 58
Zone Coverage- 88
Man Coverage- 84
Press- 74
Discipline- 92
