2024 Kentucky Position Previews: Cornerback

Kentucky’s fall camp is off and running. Before the Cats officially begin the 2024 season, KSR is taking a closer look at the roster and analyzing each position group. Personnel, storylines, questions, and one bold prediction will be included.

Now we shift to cornerback where Kentucky has a star and some improved depth.

Position Preview: Quarterback | Flipped QB room has unknown ceiling but should provide safe floor for offense (KSR+ column)

Position Preview: Running Back | Kentucky has earned benefit of the doubt at tailback but there is much to prove (KSR+ column)

Position Preview: Wide Receiver | Wide receiver play will determine Kentucky’s offensive ceiling (KSR+ column)

Position Preview: Tight End

Position Preview: Offensive Line | Big Blue Wall might not fully return in 2024 but could take a massive step in the right direction (KSR+ column)

Position Preview: Defensive Line | Defensive line veterans will determine Kentucky’s ceiling (KSR+ column)

Position Preview: EDGE

Position Preview: Linebacker

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Expected Starters

Maxwell Hairston (6-1, 186, RJr.)

The Metro Detroit native came from out of nowhere as a first-year starter to become a second-team All-SEC selection in 2023. Hairston started all 13 games, led the SEC in interceptions (five), and scored a pair of defensive touchdowns. Hairston also chipped in 68 tackles and six pass breakups. The fourth-year player will be a cornerstone of the Kentucky defense in 2024.

Jantzen Dunn (6-0, 185, RJr.)

A battle at CB2 still appears to be ongoing but Dunn is in the lead. The former Ohio State transfer and blue-chip recruit out of Bowling Green (Ky.) South Warren played 13 games for Kentucky last season splitting time at nickel and outside cornerback. Dunn’s versatility will be key in 2024 as the fourth-year player takes on a bigger role.

Kentucky’s Cornerback Room

Nasir Addison (6-0, 199, So.)

The New Jersey native played in eight games for Kentucky last season with most action coming on special teams. The former three-star recruit is pushing for playing time at outside cornerback as a true sophomore but appears to be CB5 halfway through fall camp.

JQ Hardaway (6-3, 191, Jr.)

The Cincinnati transfer played in all 13 games for Kentucky and earned one start. Hardaway had some struggles throughout the season but gives position coach Chris Collins some much-needed size at the position. The third-year player likely won’t be a starter for Kentucky this season but Hardaway will be asked to play significant snaps in the secondary.

Quavo Marshall (6-4, 180, Fr.)

A high three-star prospect out of Macon (Ga.) Westside, Marshall was a two-way playmaker recording 69 tackles, 18 pass breakups, and three interceptions over his last two years of high school to go with 62 receptions for 967 yards and 10 touchdowns. A traits-heavy prospect with a thin frame will miss this season with a lower-body injury.

Terhyon Nichols (5-11, 195, Fr.)

A top-250 recruit in the 2024 cycle, Nichols will likely have a role in some capacity in his rookie year at Kentucky. Highly productive player at Cincinnati (Ohio) Withrow with 118 tackles, four interceptions, and three forced fumbles as a junior and senior. Also has some impressive top-end speed (10.6 seconds in 100 meters). Could potentially play some slot cornerback down the road.

Quay’sheed Scott (6-0, 192, Fr.)

An under-the-radar recruit received a big rankings bump late in the process. Kentucky held off in-state South Carolina to sign Scott. Two-way playmaker for Marion (S.C.) High. Recorded 68 tackles, six tackles for loss, three interceptions, and 23 total touchdowns in 2023. Clocked in with a 4.4 forty-yard dash at a Kentucky camp last summer. That speed shows up on tape.

DJ Waller Jr. (6-3, 202, So.)

The Youngstown native spent his first season at Michigan before entering the transfer portal in the spring and landing at Kentucky. Waller is competing for the starting cornerback job and brings outstanding length to the position. A former three-star recruit who will play a big role for the Wildcats this season.

Big Question: Will improved cornerback play lead to an improved pass defense?

At media day, head coach Mark Stoops and defensive coordinator Brad White acknowledged that there was a need to play more man coverage and that Kentucky will likely play more man coverage this season. That is a decision being made to beef up a pass defense that finished the 2023 season ranked No. 123 in success rate allowed and No. 127 in completion percentage allowed.

To pull that off, Kentucky will need some tight coverage in the backend and must replace third-round pick Andru Phillips. Maxwell Hairston is a strong building block and he is being surrounded by a better supporting cast at CB3-CB5 this year. Will that star power and improved depth lead to better play?

It needs to with Carson Beck, Quinn Ewers, Jaxson Dart, Nico Iamaleava, and Graham Mertz appearing on the schedule.

Top Storyline: Maxwell Hairston’s potential

Maxwell Hairston was the biggest surprise on the Kentucky football team last season. Now the Wildcats will see just how good the starting cornerback is in year two with high expectations.

Hairston looked outstanding in open practices and his man coverage potential likely has a lot to do with Kentucky’s coaches going on record about playing more isolation coverage. Kentucky is banking on high-level play from Hairston. How much improvement can the veteran make?

Bold Prediction: Maxwell Hairston earns first-team All-SEC honors

Andru Phillips, Carrington Valentine, Brandin Echols, Kelvin Joseph, and Lonnie Johnson Jr. have become draft picks after playing cornerback at Kentucky. Three of those players were picked in the first three rounds. Maxwell Hairston will join that group after another strong season.

Interceptions can ebb and flow from season to season, but Hairston will make his fair share of plays and secure a spot on the first-team All-SEC squad at the end of the year. Trevard Lindley was the last Kentucky cornerback to earn that honor and that was 16 years ago. Hairston ends a long streak for the program this fall.