Kentucky football’s 2025 NFL combine stars: Key drills to watch

The 2025 NFL Combine is about to light up Indianapolis, and Kentucky football’s finest—Eli Cox, Deone Walker, Maxwell Hairston, and Jamon Dumas-Johnson—are ready to strut their stuff for NFL scouts. This isn’t just a workout; it’s their shot to turn heads and climb draft boards. From raw power to blazing speed, the drills they ace could make them Wildcat legends—or leave them scrambling. Let’s break down the must-watch tests and what they mean for each guy.

First up, Eli Cox, the center who’s the glue of Kentucky’s O-line. Scouts will zero in on the bench press, where players lie on a bench and pump 225 pounds as many times as they can—think 25-30 reps to show he can shove back massive nose tackles. Then there’s the shuttle run, a quick side-to-side sprint (5 yards out, 10 back) testing lateral agility—under 4.5 seconds screams he’s nimble enough to pull on run plays. Position drills, like blocking a sled, will let Cox flex his technique, proving he’s more than just muscle.

Next, Deone Walker, the defensive lineman built like a tank with a sprinter’s burst. The 40-yard dash—a straight-line sprint from a standstill—measures raw speed; a sub-5-second time (average 5.1-5.3 for D-linemen) shows he can chase quarterbacks. The bench press is back, with 25-35 reps signaling power to bulldoze blockers. The shuttle run checks his agility—under 4.6 seconds means he’s dodging guards like a pro. In position drills, he’ll rip through bags or sleds, showing off pass-rush moves that could terrorize NFL backfields.

Then there’s Maxwell Hairston, the cornerback with sticky hands and fast feet. The 40-yard dash is king here—under 4.5 seconds (average 4.5-4.7) proves he can shadow speedy receivers. The vertical jump, a straight-up leap from standing, tests explosiveness—over 36 inches means he’s snagging jump balls. The broad jump, a flat-out leap forward, needs 10+ feet to show lower-body pop. The shuttle run (under 4.1 seconds) highlights his quick cuts, and position drills—like mirroring a coach—will flaunt his coverage chops.

Finally, Jamon Dumas-Johnson, the linebacker who’s everywhere at once. The 40-yard dash (under 4.7 seconds, average 4.7-4.9) shows he can chase down scatbacks. The 3-cone drill, a zippy weave around three cones in an L-shape, tests agility—under 7.0 seconds means he’s flipping hips like a gymnast. The bench press (20-25 reps) proves he can shed blocks, and position drills—like reacting to a coach’s signals—will spotlight his instincts and tackling grit.

These drills aren’t just numbers; they’re the difference between a Day 1 pick and a late-round call. With the Combine kicking off soon, these Wildcats are ready to pounce—and maybe rewrite their NFL futures.

Which Kentucky star will dominate the Combine? Drop your pick in the comments and follow their draft journey!

Drill Descriptions

Bench Press: Players lift 225 pounds as many reps as possible from a bench, testing upper-body strength and endurance.
Shuttle Run (Short Shuttle): A 5-10-5-yard sprint (out, back, out) measuring lateral quickness and agility.
40-Yard Dash: A 40-yard sprint from a standstill, gauging straight-line speed and acceleration.
Vertical Jump: A standing leap straight up, assessing explosive leg power and height reached.
Broad Jump: A forward jump from a standstill, measuring lower-body strength and distance covered.
3-Cone Drill: A weaving run around three cones in an L-shape, testing agility, balance, and change of direction.