Tennessee’s approach to recruiting Cooper Witten, son of former Vols tight end and NFL legend Jason Witten, has been notably measured. Despite Cooper’s impressive early high school career and his family’s deep ties to the program, Tennessee’s recruitment strategy has been cautious, focusing on building a relationship rather than aggressively pursuing a commitment.
Cooper, a standout safety at Liberty Christian School in Argyle, Texas, has garnered attention as one of the top prospects in the 2027 class. Standing 6-foot-2 and weighing 205 pounds, he has demonstrated versatility by playing both safety and wide receiver, along with excelling in track. His freshman season statistics include 82 tackles, four tackles for loss, two interceptions (one returned for a touchdown), two forced fumbles, and three blocked kicks on special teams.
Tennessee extended a scholarship offer to Cooper in August 2024 following a conversation with head coach Josh Heupel. Heupel expressed admiration for Cooper’s physicality and effort on the field. Cooper’s reaction was one of surprise and gratitude, as he had been proactively reaching out to Tennessee’s coaches but did not anticipate an offer at that time.
Despite the offer, Tennessee’s recruitment of Cooper has been less aggressive compared to other programs. Schools like Oklahoma, Baylor, Texas A&M, and SMU have been more proactive in their outreach, with Cooper scheduling multiple visits to these institutions. This has led to speculation about Tennessee’s level of interest and commitment to securing his commitment
The Vols’ approach may be influenced by the desire to avoid undue pressure on Cooper, allowing him to make an independent decision about his future. Jason Witten has emphasized to his son the importance of choosing a program that aligns with his personal goals and development, rather than following in his footsteps.
As Cooper’s recruitment continues to unfold, Tennessee’s cautious strategy may be a calculated move to respect the family’s legacy while still expressing interest in a talented prospect. The coming months will reveal whether this approach will pay off or if other programs will capitalize on their more aggressive recruitment efforts.
