Kentucky has the two highest-rated cornerbacks in the SEC

Water covers 71 percent of the Earth. Maxwell Hairston and Andru Phillips cover the rest. Coming into the season, the two biggest question marks for Kentucky football revolved around the offensive line and the defensive backfield. While the line is still trying to rebuild the Big Blue Wall, the cornerbacks have taken those question marks and pile-driven them into the turf.

According to PFF’s individual player grades, Maxwell Hairston and Andru Phillips are the two highest-rated cornerbacks in the SEC. Hairston, who had two interception returns for touchdowns against Vanderbilt on Saturday, leads all corners with a grade of 85.8. Phillips is just behind his teammate with a grade of 82.

Terrion Arnold, an NFL prospect who plays for Alabama, ranks third in the SEC with a grade of 81.7.

Advanced Statistics

Through the first four games, teams have target receivers guarded by Hairston 24 times. He has allowed just 12 catches for a total of 100 yards. Similarly, teams have thrown in the direction of Phillips 20 times but managed just 11 catches for 86 yards.

Furthermore, quarterbacks have a ridiculously low QB rating of 21.5 when throwing against Hairston and just a 61.5 rating when attempting to get the ball to the man Phillips is guarding.

In addition to his NCAA-leading three interceptions, Hairston also has a team-leading four pass breakups and a forced fumble. Phillips is tied for second on the team with two pass breakups.

When it comes to tackling, the two have also been reliable. Phillips has missed just one tackle and Hairston has not been credited with a missed tackle all season. They each have seven stops, defined by tackles that constitute a failure for the offense.

Having this type of pass coverage is incredibly important and can give the defensive coordinator a little more confidence to dial up more blitzes knowing his corners are more than capable of guarding their man one-on-one.

You love to see it.