2027 5-star LB praises Texas A&M DC Jay Bateman, sees Aggies as a future option
Former Dallas Cowboys tight end Jason Witten's NFL career ended after the 2020 season. Since his retirement, the future Hall of Famer has been one of the top high school coaches in Texas, having coached at Liberty Christian since 2021. Like every Father's dream, Witten has been able to coach his two sons, including 2027 five-star linebacker Cooper Witten, who Texas A&M has heavily recruited.
Witten is one of the best athletes in the 2027 cycle, and to no surprise, he could also play tight end at the next level due to his impressive speed and catch radius. However, he may be too solid a defender not to keep at linebacker.
On Friday, KBTX reporter Tyler Shaw caught up with the younger Witten during a preseason summer scrimmage, where he praised Texas A&M defensive coordinator Jay Bateman, who is also one of the top linebacker coaches and developers in the country.
"I like (Texas) A&M a lot. Their defensive coordinator, Jay Bateman is a great coach, great guy to talk to, etc." Witten stated. "I really think he could develop me and make me into the best player I can be."
This is high praise for Bateman, who, despite losing his play-calling duties this offseason, has continued to be one of the best recruiters in the country, helping land several high-ranking 2026 prospects, including five-star defensive end Tristian Given and five-star cornerback Brandon Arrington.
At linebacker, former Florida LB Scooby Williams is coming off his best collegiate season, while junior Taurean York is one his way to becoming a potential first-round pick after the 2025 season.
Cooper Witten was elite on both sides of the ball during his 2024 junior season, recording 45 tackles, one sack, 5 INTs (2 return touchdowns), six pass breakups, and one safety on defense. Witten hauled in 15 receptions for 263 yards and seven touchdowns as a tight end/receiver.
According to 247Sports, Cooper Witten is currently positioned as the 24th-ranked prospect in the 2027 class, the No. 1-ranked linebacker, and the 4th-ranked prospect in Texas.
Contact/Follow us @AggiesWire on X (formerly Twitter) and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Texas A&M news, notes and opinions. Follow Cameron on X: @CameronOhnysty.
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