Oregon Interview: Elijah Molden is One of the Rare True All-Around 4-Star 2017 Athletes

Written by Ryan Wright

Twitter: @HogManInLA

There is no shortage of amazing athletes in the 2017 recruiting class with all seemingly destined to make their mark at some lucky collegiate program in the years to come. One such player who could make a mark on both sides of the ball and at multiple positions is Elijah Molden.

When lists are constructed putting together top players regardless of position, Molden deserves to be there. When putting together a list of running backs, Molden deserves to be there. When putting together a list of dynamic wide receivers, Molden deserves to be there. And last but not least, when talking about shutdown corners, Molden most certainly deserves to be there.

West Linn High School went 12-2 in 2015 making a run to the Oregon state championship game before a heartbreaking 21-14 loss to Jesuit (Portland). The Lions had talent all over and produced some great individual seasons including Connor Berggren’s (Oregon) 103 receptions for 2,084 yards with 22 touchdowns campaign.

One constant making plays on offense forming a one-two punch with Berggren was Molden. Molden (5-10, 181) secured 28 passes for 476 yards with six scores and rushed 106 times for 1,071 yards with another 17 touchdowns. At cornerback on defense, perhaps his best spot – which is saying a lot, Molden had 61 tackles, 32 solo, two tackles for a loss, one interception, and broke up two passes in 13 games. One thing missing from the overall stat line, Molden only played on the offensive side of the ball in nine games.

College coaches love Molden’s abilities but his recruitment has been stunted by assumption, and time will tell if that is an accurate guess. Elijah is an Oregon Ducks legacy expected by many to follow in the footsteps of his father, Oregon great Alex Molden. Alex Molden was a first round NFL Draft pick by the New Orleans Saints, No. 11 overall, in 1996. Molden played for the Saints until 2000 making his way west to play for the San Diego Chargers (2001-02) and then ended his career with the Detroit Lions (2003).

To date seven schools have offered the 4-star talent. The six other brave schools willing to try to recruit Molden away from the Ducks includes Washington, Stanford, Arizona State, Cal, Washington State, and Louisville. Maybe one of the daring will have the right message with the right opportunity for Molden, or maybe Molden will add more to the family name in Ducks football lore? Whoever gets Molden will get an instinctive, smart, and fast-on-fast player with the true rare extra gear all players wish they possessed.

In a Recruiting News Guru exclusive interview, I sat down with Molden going over his junior season, offseason schedule, and received a recruiting news update.

Interview

I have to ask about the long touchdown pass you have on your reel when the player tried to kick trip you at the goal line. Did you know about it at the time that he tried to do that?

“He actually kicked me. That kind of hurt.”

I couldn’t tell from the footage. He actually kicked you?

“Yeah, I turned around and looked at him. I wasn’t happy about it. It kind of tweaked my hip flexor. Later on he said he did not mean to do it and apologized.”

Connor Berggren had an amazing season coming up with 103 receptions with 2,084 yards and 22 scores? How does West Linn replace his production in the passing game?

“Our coach has a great mindset (Chris Miller – former Oregon Ducks quarterback), he coached in NFL. Our quarterback (Tim Tawa) is great. In our spread offense we pass the ball quite a bit so we’ll find a way to spread it around.”

Your stat line reads one interception with two passes broken up, were those three stats representative of the total number of passes that came your way in 2015?

(Laughs) “I had maybe close to 10 passes thrown my way last year. Two were completed on five yard routes. I did not get much action.”

You have the ability to play all over the field. When you get to the next level, will you play offense or defense?

“I think I will play cornerback in college and maybe a little on offense.”

What are your strengths on the field as a cornerback?

“My strengths, with my dad having played in the NFL and teaching me, is my knowledge of the game. I think the repetition of playing the position, the high level of coaching I’ve received, and my instincts sets me apart.”

From a technical standpoint, what are some of the things you do well as a corner?

“I have quick feet, I’m quick in and out of breaks, and I read the receiver well. Based on their body language I’m good at predicting their routes and where they are going to go. My quickness is my strong suit.”

What are your goals for the 2016 football season?

“I have no personal goals. All I want to do is improve my game.”

How will your role change this year compared to 2016?

“I’ll play more at wide out but that’s about it. Maybe a little bit of safety.”

Will we still see you at running back?

“Yes. Primarily I’ll play running back but I’ll be in few packages at wide receiver.”

You went over the 1,000 yard rushing mark in just nine games. What are some of the thing you do well as a running back?

“That’s a tough question. I think I’m explosive and make up my mind fast. I can see the gap in the defense and I exploit it.”

This maybe another tough question for you. What was your best game in 2015, against which team, and why do you consider that your best game?

“That is a tough question. I think my best game, the game I am most proud of, was my game against Oregon City (Nov. 20) game the second time we played them (won 40-28). That was in the quarter finals (playoffs). The week before that I had a high ankle sprain, I was hobbling around. They had Trevon Bradford, he signed with Oregon State. I guarded him essentially on one leg, I had some help. He had one or two catches for 10 yards total.”

Did you earn any individual honors at the end of your junior season?

“Yes. I was first team All-State cornerback and running back.”

You have an extra gear that most players wish they had. What is the best 40-yard dash time you’ve posted?

“A 4.48, that is hand-held. Actually my best laser time is 4.52. That was off four hours of sleep and they had lost my luggage. Running a 4.44 hand-held is the goal.”

You have seven offers on the table. Of those seven schools, is one pushing any harder than the others?

“Washington, Stanford, and Oregon are pushing hard. Notre Dame and Michigan are pushing hard but they have not offered yet.”

Which schools have you taken unofficial visits to so far?

“USC, Oregon, Washington, and Stanford.”

How did your Stanford visit go?

“It was incredible. That was the second time I have visited Stanford. The campus is incredible and the coaches are great. Coach (David) Shaw (head coach) and Coach (Duane) Akina (defensive backs coach), they know what they are doing and have a good group of players.”

I’m assuming everyone always asks about Oregon, so I will ask you about Washington. How did your visit to Washington go?

“It was really cool. Honestly, that was the first time I have been to Washington. I had no idea what to expect. Duck fans were telling me how bad it is there but it was great. Coach (Chris) Petersen (head coach) is a fantastic coach. He really is changing the culture there.”

Do you have any unofficial visits planned coming up?

“I want to visit Notre Dame and Michigan this summer.”

Have you released a list of your top schools yet?

“No. I probably won’t do that until I take all my unofficial visits.”

What are the main factors that will influence which college you attend?

“I look at education. Which school sets my future up better? I look at the coaching staff, how long will they will be at the school and how successful they? I look at how I can contribute, at which position the school wants me to play, and will I redshirt or play early. Stuff like that.”

Are you going to any exposure camps this offseason?

“Other than the (Nike) Opening, no.”

How is everything going in the classroom?

“I have a 4.0 GPA.”

Excellent. Have you taken the ACT or SAT yet?

“I have not taken the ACT yet. I take that in a couple of weeks.”

What is your favorite subject in school?

“Right now psychology. I’m interested in a communications degree for college.”

Who has made the biggest impact on your football career?

“My dad. He played in the NFL, at the highest level. He answers all my football questions. He’s the reason I play cornerback. (laughs) I can’t get away from him, he’s my coach.”

What is your favorite part of playing football?

“My favorite part are the little things like being in the locker room with my friends. The little things in football like what goes on behind the play that people do not know. Most people are unaware of what goes on with each play. I like breaking down a defense, scoring touchdowns, and making big plays.”

Elijah, thanks for your time today and good luck on the ACT coming up.

“Thank you.”

Photo credit: Molden family; Elijah Molden at Washington with head coach Chris Petersen.

Photo credit: Molden family; Elijah Molden at Stanford.

Photo credit: oregonlive.com; No. 7 Elijah Molden breaks free.