Interview: 2017 4-Star CB Elijah Molden gives Insight to Washington Huskies Commitment

Written by Ryan Wright

Twitter: @HogManInLA

The Huskies are putting together a 2017 recruiting that could be as good as any other program in the nation when National Signing Day rolls around in February. Washington has pulled in 14 commits so far, with eight being ranked as four-star talents. The newest four-star addition to the class came on Saturday when cornerback/athlete Elijah Molden pledged to the Huskies.

Molden is the quintessential cornerback every college coach wants on their squad. Coming in at 5-11, 185 pounds, Molden can hold his own in the pass and run game quickly covering ground with his 4.48 speed. West Linn High School uses him on both sides of the ball showing off his athleticism during his junior campaign tallying 1,071 yards off 106 carries with 17 scores. He added 28 receptions for 476 yards with six more touchdowns pushing the Lions to a 12-2 mark. On defense he continued to shine racking up 61 tackles, 32 solo, two tackles for a loss, and one interception with two passes broken up.

The Lions are the top ranked team in the state of Oregon running their mark to 11-0 thus far. Molden has missed a couple of games with a high ankle sprain early in the season but is back on the field healthy and has continued to play at a high level. With six games played, he has 423 yards rushing with four scores off just 39 totes and has 17 receptions for 224 yards with six more touchdowns.

In a Recruiting News Guru exclusive interview, I sat down with Molden after his commitment to Washington during an official over the weekend for the USC game to get the inside scoop on how he picked the Huskies over top schools like Stanford and Oregon.

Interview

Elijah, first, congratulations on your commitment to Washington.

“Thank you.”

Before we get into that, how has your senior season gone so far?

“It has gone well. We are undefeated. I had a high ankle sprain early in the season forcing me to miss a couple of weeks. I’m back now but only playing defense. As long as we keep winning, I’m happy.”

You guys are undefeated and ranked No. 1 in the state (MaxPreps), how does the team look to you as you get deeper into the playoffs?

“We look good. Each week our defense keeps getting stronger and stronger. Our offense is getting into a rhythm and getting stronger too. I am very encouraged.”

Let’s talk about your commitment. Did you have a Top 3 or something like that narrowing down your offers?

“I had a Top 4 of USC, Oregon, Stanford, and Washington.”

Did you take any official visits other than the one this weekend to Washington?

“I did. I visited Stanford and Oregon.”

What influenced you to commit to Washington over Stanford and Oregon?

“The culture there and the coaches. Washington is a really good fit for me.”

How did the commitment take place?

“I went up for the USC game, prior to the game I told them in a meeting. They were very happy when I told them. I was with my family when I committed.”

What was the reaction of the coaches when you committed?

“They were not expecting it. They all jumped up started running around the room. They were very excited. It was an exciting moment.”

How did you feel at that moment when you verbally committed?

“I was excited. I’ve been looking forward to getting that off my back. I’ve been looking forward to this for a long time.”

Are you finished taking your official visits now?

“Yes.”

Do you plan on recruiting other players to join you?

“Yeah. I plan on recruiting as many guys as I can. I just got added to a recruit Twitter group message to help.”

Do you have any players you would like to target already?

“Not yet. I know we are trying to get Foster Sarell (5-star offensive tackle from Graham, WA).”

Elijah, thanks for your time today, and, again, congratulations on your commitment to Washington.

“Thank you.”

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