Maxwell Hairston and JQ Hardaway are top 10 CBs in the SEC

Kentucky may have one of its most impenetrable defensive units in school history. In addition to future first-round draft pick Deone Walker anchoring the line and a slew of top-notch linebackers roaming the center of the field, the Wildcats feature two of the top 10 cornerbacks in the SEC locking down the secondary in Maxwell Hairston and Jonquis “JQ” Hardaway.

According to PFF, Hardaway has an overall defensive rating of 76.1, and Hairston grades out at 72.9, good for 7th and 10th overall in the SEC through the first four games of the season. Texas and Florida are the only other teams with two cornerbacks in the top 10. Four games might not be the biggest sample size, but the cream is rising to the top.

The man they call JQ has six tackles and three assists and has only allowed six receptions when the opposing quarterback has targeted the man he is guarding, allowing just 63 yards. Hardaway also has one interception on the year.

Meanwhile, Maxwell Hairston has also filled up the stat sheet. In addition to his five tackles, he has one forced fumble, a sack, and has allowed only 50 percent of the balls thrown to players he was guarding to be caught. Oh, and he also had a pretty nice interception return for a touchdown against Ohio.

Hairston still has some space to catch up to this incredible 81.6 rating from last year, but he put in his strongest outing of the season against Ohio, setting his trajectory skyward.

Say what you want about Kentucky’s struggles on offense, it has shown to be stout on the defensive side of the ball, largely thanks to two of the best cornerbacks in the SEC holding down the outside.