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Kentucky football sees a surprising four players invited to NFL combine

The Cats knew they were going to send two to the combine, but ended up with double the amount. Find out who inside.
ByDrew Holbrook|
Sep 10, 2022; Gainesville, Florida, USA; Kentucky Wildcats defensive tackle Deone Walker (0) reacts after making a tackle against the Florida Gators during the second half at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-Imagn Images
Sep 10, 2022; Gainesville, Florida, USA; Kentucky Wildcats defensive tackle Deone Walker (0) reacts after making a tackle against the Florida Gators during the second half at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-Imagn Images | Kim Klement-Imagn Images

The University of Kentucky Wildcats are sending four players to the NFL Draft Combine—Eli Cox, Maxwell Hairston, Jamon Dumas-Johnson, and Deone Walker—have received coveted invitations. This event lets scouts get up close and personal with potential prospects and is set to take place from February 27 to March 2 at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis.

Meet the Fabulous Four:

  • Eli Cox (Offensive Lineman): A rock-solid presence on the offensive line, Cox has been a consistent starter for the Wildcats, showcasing durability and leadership throughout his collegiate career.
  • Maxwell Hairston (Defensive Back): Known for his agility and keen football instincts, Hairston has been a pivotal part of Kentucky's defense, making significant plays in crucial moments.
  • Jamon Dumas-Johnson (Linebacker): After transferring from Georgia, Dumas-Johnson made an immediate impact with the Wildcats, leading the team in total tackles and demonstrating versatility on the field.
  • Deone Walker (Defensive Lineman): Standing tall and imposing, Walker has been a formidable force on the defensive front, consistently disrupting opposing offenses with his strength and technique.

Combine Schedule Highlights:

  • Thursday, Feb 27: Defensive Linemen and Linebackers (Walker and Dumas-Johnson) will showcase their skills starting at 3 p.m. ET.
  • Friday, Feb 28: Defensive Backs (Hairston) take the stage at 3 p.m. ET.
  • Sunday, March 2: Offensive Linemen (Cox) will perform drills beginning at 1 p.m. ET.

Fans can catch all the action live on NFL Network or stream it via the NFL app and NFL+.

A Tradition of Excellence:

This marks the fifth consecutive year that Kentucky has had at least four players invited to the NFL Scouting Combine, underscoring the program's commitment to developing NFL-ready talent. Since head coach Mark Stoops took the helm in 2013, a total of 47 Wildcats have received Combine invitations, with 38 of those coming since 2019.

Looking Ahead:

The NFL Draft is scheduled for April 24-26 at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wisconsin. With a record of producing multiple players being drafted, the Wildcats are poised to continue that streak for the seventh straight year.

As these four Wildcats prepare to showcase their talents on one of football's biggest pre-draft stages, BBN will be cheering them on, confident that they'll make a lasting impression and continue Kentucky's proud legacy in the NFL. Because once guys start making it to the NFL, the recruits notice. And Mark Stoops needs all the big time recruits he can get, with the schedule coming up.

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