Maxwell Hairston, CB, Kentucky
Size:
Height: 5112
Weight: 183
Arm: 31”
Hand: 8 ¾”
Accomplishments:
Second Team All-SEC (2023)
“Maxwell Hairston is an instinctive corner with high-level ball skills and the ability to make big plays in zone schemes.”
Strengths:
Playmaker/ball skills
Speed/explosiveness
Good overall length
Instincts/football IQ
Short-area quickness
Concerns:
Lean frame
Technique playing press-man
Scheme-specific
Film Analysis:
Maxwell Hairston burst onto the scene as one of the most productive cornerbacks in college football in the 2023 season, recording five interceptions and two returned for touchdowns. Hairston plays within what appears to be a primarily zone defense, which supports Hairston’s A-traits: instincts, ball skills, and the ability to be a quick reactor. Through his play, Hairston has elevated himself to be considered a playmaker for the Kentucky defense and one of the most talented defenders in college football.
Going through Hairston's player profile and ability, it all starts with his alignment. Hairston’s pre-snap alignment can change as he’s able to play in press situations and bailing at the snap or play anywhere from 5-10 yards off the line of scrimmage, which allows him to disguise different coverages and what his responsibility is post-snap. Post-snap, Hairston appears to be a high-IQ player who can understand different route combinations, can successfully play the routes, and stay disciplined to his zone and responsibility. Playing zone is where he shows his athletic traits of being a quick reactor, an explosive plant and drive downhill player, having fluid hips, and also the speed to carry receivers vertically. Hairston has a lean frame and good arm length, which helps him be a disruptive defender on passing downs. Hairston has many high-level qualities, but the most important trait of his skill set is his ball skills. Hairston has proven to be a ball magnet, always putting himself in situations to be around the football. Whether that's jumping routes, tracking the deep ball, or simply being around for tips and overthrows, Hairston shows that if he can get his hands on the football, he can bring in the pass for the interception and make a big play for the defense.
Hairston’s biggest needed improvement as a player is his discipline and technique in press-man coverage. Hairston is an eager and aggressive corner who lacks the discipline in press coverage to keep his hips square to the receiver. He can turn and open his hips, giving the receiver a free path of his release and winning the route. This issue results in Hairston losing the rep quickly and quarterbacks being able to complete the pass, especially on quick routes such as slants. His issue can be improved through reps and coaching.
Overall, Hairston projects to be a high-level contributor who can play both man or zone and can create turnovers for his defense. Hairston has big-play ability as a defensive back, which combined with his elite speed, should project him being a high-level starter early in his career.
Prospect Projection: Day 2 — Winning Starter
Written By: Keith Sanchez
Exposures: Texas (2024), Georgia (2024), Georgia (2023), Tennessee (2023), Florida (2023), Alabama (2023)
