(EXCLUSIVE) Mark Stoops’ Kentucky Win Big as Projected R1 Pick Maxwell Hairston Makes Big Revelation

The Kentucky Wildcats are a storied, tradition-rich program in the collegiate sports paradigm. Synonymous with success. However, that reputation stems from the hardwood, not the gridiron. On the football side of things, Kentucky has been a perennial afterthought amid its more prosperous SEC contemporaries. However, star defensive back Maxwell Hairston reckons a seismic shift is underway in Lexington, and he wants you to take notice. In an Exclusive EssentiallySports interview, the NFL-bound Hairston vicariously left a parting gift for Big Blue Nation and head coach Mark Stoops.

It’s a prestigious school in a prestigious conference. But the football program isn’t the primary focus for the U of K. They’ve made their bed with hoops, and have been uber successful in their decision. So the resources for the basketball vertical don’t permeate over to Mark Stoops’ operation. Making it difficult to breach past the proverbial glass ceiling looming over their heads. In the Stoops era, the Wildcats have had merely two double-digit win seasons in 12 years. Finishing in and around .500 more often than not. But players like Maxwell Hairston can propel the program skyward. As he bids adieu to Kentucky, he told us something that could spark others into following his trail.

Maxwell Hairston sat down for an Exclusive EssentiallySports interview in the week leading to the NFL Draft. Amidst a lot of key insights into his career and the Kentucky program, he delved into how the masses are potentially sleeping on the Wildcats and their conveyor belt of NFL-caliber cornerbacks and safeties. Although they’re not a program known historically for this, Hairston believes a wave of talented defensive backs is imminently bursting onto the scene from his alma mater. “Let’s talk about Kentucky. Big Blue Nation has always been passionate, but not always seen as an NFL pipeline for DBs. Do you think your success has changed that perception?” our correspondent asked Maxwell Hairston. He answered in the affirmative, which will resonate not just within NFL circles. But also with recruits eyeing Coach Stoops’ Kentucky as a potential landing spot. 

“I do. I think Kentucky should start getting a little more respect in the DB aspect,” remarked Hairston. “We send a DB to the draft every year. I feel like the guys that get introduced into the league go in and make an impact immediately. So, you know, Kentucky might be DB-U! Hey, you ain’t hear it from me!” he exclaimed. Keep it on the low, and let the results do the talking. A former defensive backs’ coach and D-coordinator, Mark Stoops, could sell Hairston and his comments as a sales pitch to high school kids on why they should come to Lexington. Defensive Backs University doesn’t quite slide off the tongue, but it’s a resounding vote of confidence from a special player. One who became special with Kentucky, and not despite them.

A 3-star prospect out of high school, Maxwell Hairston wasn’t supposed to make it in the SEC, let alone the league. At 175lb, he was deemed too frail. Did he concur? Absolutely not. Hairston thwarted prejudicial and undermining notions of him and made waves in Kentucky’s secondary. By the time he was done, opposition quarterbacks contemplated even throwing the football in his general direction. A two-year starter and an All-SEC selection both years (‘23 and ‘24), Hairston is now headed to the NFL as a projected first-rounder. Which is a testament to his ability and conviction of rising above that 3-star tag. That said, it’s also indicative of the development and coaching he got at Kentucky. Mark Stoops curated an environment that’s conducive to growth down there. Something Hairston acknowledges and even endorses. Apart from this, Hairston also dropped some nuggets about competing against SEC wide receivers for 3 years.

Maxwell Hairston shouts out the toughest WRs he’s come up against in college

Playing cornerback in the Southeastern Conference means you’re often chasing shadows. Not Maxwell Hairston, though, who held his own against the very best of WRs. That said, you tend to realize what separates the good ones from those in tier 1, the top echelon of the food chain. During his Exclusive EssentiallySports interview, Hairston spilled the beans on which wideouts gave him a run for his money.

“You’ve matched up with some elite talent in the SEC. Who are some of the toughest players you’ve faced off with, especially in terms of [wide] receivers?” he was asked. Hairston didn’t walk a boring path of diplomacy. Instead, he named star wide receivers who are bonafide studs at the position. “Receivers…where do I start? Guys like Matthew Golden from this year [draft class]. Then you’ve got guys like Xavier Legette from 2023. Ladd McConkey was a very good receiver I got to match up against, and also Ricky Pearsall. Just going against an NFL receiver every week is really why I came to the SEC. Because I wanted that challenge, you know. I embraced going against the opposite team’s best guy. The dude. I look forward to stuff like that,” replied Hairston. Are those some top-end names or what? Goes to show he’s been through a trial by fire.

Texas’ Matthew Golden is also projected to be a round-1 pick in the draft. He’ll be in that green room, sweating bullets and waiting for his name to be called by commish Roger Goodell. As will Maxwell Hairston, who’s also accepted an invite to the green room. We’re less than 48 hours away from 32 players completing their tryst from prodigy to proven and getting their badges as professional footballers. Hairston hopes to be picked by a coach and franchise that will help him grow as a player. Akin to how Mark Stoops and Kentucky were.

The post (EXCLUSIVE) Mark Stoops’ Kentucky Win Big as Projected R1 Pick Maxwell Hairston Makes Big Revelation appeared first on EssentiallySports.