Tennessee football’s premier game against Georgia didn’t go the way the Vols wanted to with a 44-41 overtime loss, but it still served as a great opportunity to host recruits. This included a legacy prospect, Cooper Witten, the son of Vols’ legendary tight end Jason Witten.
Cooper Witten is a class of 2027 linebacker out of Liberty Christian in Argyle, Texas. He is ranked as a five-star recruit, the No. 12 player, No. 1 linebacker and No. 4 player in the state, according to 247composite rankings. His recruitment started strong and hasn’t wavered. He holds offers from the likes of Alabama, Auburn, Clemson, LSU, Michigan, Notre Dame, Ohio State, Oklahoma, Ole Miss, Oregon, Texas, Texas A&M and Texas Tech among others.
“Athletic, physical, likely role-versatile second-level defensive piece who plays with a relentless motor,” 247sports scouting analyst Gabe Brooks wrote. “Natural football IQ, awareness, instincts, etc. are obvious on tape and on the elite camp circuit. Produced outstanding combine testing numbers in Spring 2025. Owns a uniquely strong football pedigree. Wants the ball and plays for the ball, as evidenced by impact production through two varsity seasons.
“Also boasts the multi-phase participation and multi-sport athletic background so frequently seen in eventual NFL Draft candidates across the position spectrum, but especially in the defensive back seven. Owns impressive track speed, especially for a 210-pounder, with a 10.91-second 100-meter time in Spring 2025. Experienced at safety, but physical specs and play style would easily translate to off-ball linebacker in the long term. Presents high-floor competency with simultaneous high-ceiling developmental potential as one of the most intriguing defensive prospects at this early stage in the 2027 class.”
VFL Jason Witten is in the house ⬇️ pic.twitter.com/akSlDtjsBd
— Rocky Top Insider (@rockytopinsider) September 13, 2025
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Alongside Cooper Witten was his dad, Jason Witten. The former Tennessee tight end was shown on the jumbotron during pregame and received a chorus of applause. He currently coaches his son’s high school team, a position he has held since 2021.
Jason Witten played at UT from 2000-2002. He came in as a defensive lineman, but quickly made the change to tight end. The change proved to be a good decision as he claimed a First-Team All-SEC honor before going on to have an extremely successful NFL career, primarily with the Dallas Cowboys.
At the game, Cooper Witten was seen conversing with Tennessee’s only 2027 commit to this point, who has a lot of similarities to him. J.P. Peace, also a legacy (son of Robert Peace, grandson of Phillip Fulmer), is a three-star linebacker out of West High School in Knoxville.
