Clemson Momentum Building Around Son of Dallas Cowboys Legend
Clemson Momentum Building Around Son of Dallas Cowboys Legend originally appeared on Athlon Sports.
Clemson didn't just hand out an offer to Cooper Witten—they saw enough in person to make a move on one of the most complete defenders in the 2027 class.
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Witten, a five-star linebacker out of Liberty Christian in Argyle, Texas, earned his offer from the Tigers after showcasing his skills at the Dabo Swinney Football Camp on Wednesday. But this wasn't just another blue-chip prospect auditioning for a national program. Witten carries the type of on-field presence—and off-field pedigree—that instantly grabs attention.
The son of Dallas Cowboys icon Jason Witten, Cooper has already built a name of his own in recruiting circles. Ranked as the No. 1 linebacker and the No. 17 overall player nationally by the 247Sports Composite, he's become one of the most talked-about prospects in the 2027 cycle. And after his performance in Clemson, that buzz only grew.
At 6-foot-2 and 210 pounds, Witten moves with rare fluidity for his size. A verified 10.91-second 100-meter time backs up what college coaches have seen on tape: elite closing speed, versatility, and football instincts that can't be taught. That mix of traits—along with strong showings on the elite camp circuit—makes him one of the more polished early defensive prospects in recent memory.
Dallas Cowboys tight end Jason Witten (82) is confronted by Eagles' cornerback Lito Sheppard (26) during a 2007 game at Texas Stadium.© Torin Halsey / USA TODAY NETWORK
Witten's offer list already spans more than two dozen programs, including Alabama, Michigan, Texas, Notre Dame, Oregon, and his father's alma mater, Tennessee. But what sets him apart isn't just the names on the list—it's how early he's proven he belongs at the top of it.
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His sophomore season alone included 45 tackles, five interceptions (two returned for touchdowns), and seven receiving touchdowns on offense. He also starred on special teams and contributes in basketball and track, reflecting the multi-sport athleticism often seen in future NFL stars.
Whether he projects as a safety or a modern off-ball linebacker at the next level, Witten's football IQ and physicality give him an unusually high floor. Add in the NFL bloodlines, and it's no surprise Clemson made the offer as soon as they saw him up close.
Related: Son of Eagles Legend Impresses With First-Team Defense
Related: Son of Eagles Legend Impresses With First-Team Defense
Related: John Harbaugh Shares Strong Praise for DeAndre Hopkins After Ravens Practice
This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 5, 2025, where it first appeared.
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