It's pretty simple why new Oklahoma tight ends coach Jason Witten is already having such an immediate impact in his new role: he's a pro.
The Sooners added Witten to their staff over the offseason for his first coaching job at the college level after spending four years as a head high school football coach in Texas. It was his 17 years as an NFL tight end, though, that drew the attention of the Sooners and even NFL organizations to have Witten leading their position, and just a few weeks into OU's spring camp, there's been nothing but glowing reviews on the rookie coach.
"I think the biggest thing I've realized since he's been here is just details and stuff," OU tight end Kade McIntyre said. "I'm really growing in my game as I've been here, like mentally, especially with coach (Joe Jon) Finley last year, but (Witten) coming in, too, is just kind of boosting it to another level, you feel me? I think he brings a lot of positivity to the room, too."
Kade McIntyre credits Jason Witten's NFL success for impact as OU tight ends coach
Witten is destined for the Pro Football Hall of Fame after being an 11-time Pro Bowler, First-Team All-Pro twice and was Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year in 2012 during his illustrious career. College football today also has The Jason Witten Collegiate Man of the Year Award, which is presented annually to the FBS player who has demonstrated a record of leadership by exhibiting exceptional courage, integrity and sportsmanship both on and off the field, because of Witten's legacy.
Witten's impact was immediately felt in Oklahoma on the recruiting trail when Tennessee transfer tight end Jack Van Dorselaer committed to the Sooners just the day after Witten was officially named tight ends coach. Witten then landed top 2027 tight end Seneca Driver as his first win from the high school ranks.
The Sooners starting spring camp last week, though, was Witten's debut actually coaching his revamped position, and so far, it's obvious a man with that much experience is a massive benefit for OU. And it's experience no other tight end coach in college football can claim.
"A lot of guys trust him because of his background," McIntyre said. "I mean, he's played in the league for 17 years -- bro probably knows what he's doing. Probably gonna be a Hall of Famer, too, you know what I'm saying? But it's just really fun to learn from him and have somebody with that experience telling us what we need to be doing."