Film Room: Max Mohring

Kentucky had to wait for a long time until adding a defensive player to the 2026 recruiting class. Since then, we’ve seen a mini-commitment avalanche. Malvern (Pa.) Prep linebacker Max Mohring became the third commitment on defense in six days on Tuesday.

The Cats are on the board at linebacker.

What will the Mid-Atlantic native bring to the field for defensive coordinator Brad White and linebackers coach Mike Stoops? The unranked 2026 prospect is athletic linebacker with a track background who is very comfortable playing in space.

Comfortable in space

The first thing that stands out on Max Mohring’s junior tape is just how much Malvern (Pa.) Prep trusts him to play in space. This 2026 prospect made impact plays in coverage and moves well.

Playing a Sam/Nickel role as an off-ball linebacker for Malvern Prep, Mohring was very comfortable as a drop player and makes smooth transitions in coverage. The Kentucky commit transitions out of his drop with ease to break on the football. Pass breakups and collisions at the catchpoint are the results due to the positional athleticism.

When an open-field tackle is needed, Mohring typically arrives to the ballcarrier with his feet underneath him and uses his long arms to help complete tackles. The linebacker does a solid job at shedding blocks and redirecting. This allows him to be an excellent pursuit player. Mohring is a run-and-hit linebacker right now but the latter part of his game could use some more power.

In the box, the defensive prospect plays with good leverage and knee bend but there is some unknown about just how he will be able to read, react, and shed in the high traffic area at the next level.

Traits-heavy prospect

Kentucky did not add Max Mohring to play a big role early in his career. The Cats are likely adding Max Mohring to roster as a future bet on what he will become down the road. This is a player with size, frame, athleticism, and high IQ. Each trait is individually worth betting on its own.

On3’s database lists Mohring at 6-foot-3 and 215 pounds. The junior film shows a player with long arms, broad shoulders, and frame that can add mass. The latest defensive commit has been clocked at 11.19 in the 100 meters, which translates roughly to a 4.67 forty-yard dash time. That is a strong number for a linebacker at this point in his career. Mohring’s foot speed and smooth running ability shows up on tape. Multiple Ivy League schools were in the hunt until Kentucky entered the chat.

Max Mohring must play with more physicality moving forward. Work in Kentucky’s weight room and at the training table will be critical for the young linebacker. However, the latest recruiting win has the skill set to develop into a fast and athletic Mike linebacker who can provide a strong backbone on defense. There could also be a home at Will where UK has valued more speed and hybrid body-types in the past.

Development is needed. The traits are enticing. Can this prospect get up to 235-240 pounds, add more physicality, and maintain his fluid athleticism? If Mohring does, Kentucky could have something to build around in the middle of their defense at linebacker.