INDIANAPOLIS — Kentucky’s talented cornerback, Maxwell Hairston, had a remarkable return after missing five games last season due to a shoulder injury. On Friday, he demonstrated an impressive show of athleticism at the NFL’s annual scouting combine.
The young athlete ran the fastest 40-yard dash of the week, clocking in at an extraordinary 4.28 seconds during the second day of the event in Indianapolis. This wasn’t the only highlight for Hairston; he also achieved an impressive vertical jump of 39 1/2 inches, securing the second-best spot in his position, and accomplished a notable broad jump of 10 feet, 9 inches, tying him for third place.
In a strong display, Tulane’s Caleb Ransaw stood out by achieving the third-best time in the 40-yard dash at 4.33 seconds. He topped the vertical jump at his position, clearing 40 inches, and matched Hairston’s broad jump distance. Iowa State’s Darien Porter also performed exceptionally, finishing second among cornerbacks in the 40-yard dash with a time of 4.3 seconds.
In the safeties category, Kansas State’s Marquis Sigle and South Carolina’s Nick Emmanwori emerged as leading performers. Sigle dashed to the fastest time of 4.37 seconds, closely pursued by Emmanwori at 4.38 seconds. Emmanwori excelled in the broad jump with a leap of 11-6, while Sigle jumped 10-10. Emmanwori also achieved the highest vertical jump among safeties, soaring to 43 inches, with Sigle reaching 38 inches and ranking fourth.
Tight ends took to the Lucas Oil Stadium field with Oregon’s Terrance Ferguson and South Carolina’s Joshua Simon demonstrating exceptional speed. Ferguson raced to a time of 4.63 in the 40-yard dash, while Simon recorded 4.65. Alongside Alabama’s CJ Dippre, who achieved a 4.69—in itself a noteworthy figure as one of the quickest for tight ends—the competitors showed their physical prowess.
Ferguson and Simon also excelled in the vertical jump, achieving 39 and 38 inches, respectively. They earned second and third positions in the broad jump rankings, with Simon leaping 10-4 and Ferguson jumping 10-2. Leading the group in the broad jump was Nebraska’s Thomas Fidone II with an impressive 10-6.
The combine sessions are set to continue, with quarterbacks, running backs, and receivers gearing up to take center stage as workouts proceed Saturday afternoon.
