Recruitment heats up for elite football players early. Full electronic contact is permissible after June 15th of their sophomore year.
For prospects like Josiah Molden of West Linn, Oregon, the attention starts even sooner. A Quick-twitch defensive back with great technique, he's stood out at camps and clinics since junior high. Oregon offered him as an eighth grader.
Already with 12 offers and a four-star rating from Rivals, Molden is the son of Oregon all-time great Alex Molden, a cornerback on the 1994 Rose Bowl team who logged eight years in the NFL after being selected in the first round by the New Orleans Saints in 1996, an AP second team All-American in 1995.
A member of my 2027 all American team is Josiah Molden 6’ 180 W. Linn HS, OR. Exceptionally athletic corner, a technician who was physical and smart. Quick twitch athlete with loose hips and great instincts. Anticipates well. 3.8 GPA.@Josiah_Molden A 4*+ talent. pic.twitter.com/164ZMcNnba
— Tom Lemming (@LemmingReport) April 4, 2025
His brother Elijah Molden starred at the University of Washington, but Alex may be better by the time he matures. Andrew Nemec of SBLive called him "the most polished defensive back I’ve seen at his age." Scout Greg Biggins of 247Sports praises his rare cover instincts and change of direction.
Molden started on the varsity as a freshman. His team beat Lake Oswego 44-30 for the state championship in 2024, his sophomore season as he contributed 33 tackles, 14 pass breakups and two interceptions. Opponents are reluctant to throw to his side.
Highlights Extended pic.twitter.com/5gIA1Zwv9J
— Josiah Molden (@Josiah_Molden) January 2, 2025
Selected first team all-state as a sophomore, attention is beginning to pick up for the 2027 prospect. He's earned offers from Notre Dame and Arizona State. MaxPreps named him a sophomore All-American last season. In his second year his parents allowed him to branch out and play offense too.
Lions head coach Jon Eagle told Brenna Greene of KOIN Sports, “I was a brand-new coach here, and we were doing some summer workouts, and I saw this kid flash, like, ‘Whoa, who’s that? Who’s that kid over there?’ And the coaches started laughing like, ‘He’s a 7th-grader.’”
The stats and film are impressive, but here's the most important one: He carries a 3.8 GPA in the classroom. The promising cornerback will be able to manage his money.