Elijah Molden Interview – Cornerback – Washington
Ed Hunt: Were you satisfied with your overall results from the Pro Day?
Elijah Molden: No! I wanted to do a lot better than what I did. I knew what I was capable of. I ended up not getting close to those numbers and repulling my hamstring.
Ed Hunt: Do you consider yourself a better fit at safety or slot corner in the NFL?
Elijah Molden: I think both. As a slot corner, I am looking to make more of an impact, but I could see myself being either.
Ed Hunt: What does the tradition of Washington’s secondary mean to you?
Elijah Molden: I kind of knew what I was signing up for when I committed. There is a reason those guys are drafted high and have good NFL careers. It is just consistent work and that is what I am willing to do.
Ed Hunt: What were some of the obstacles you faced during the pandemic?
Elijah Molden: Really just the uncertainty of not knowing anything. Even now with the combine (being cancelled). Without the Combine, the Pro Day had a lot of weight and so I came out 75%.
Ed Hunt: What was your best memory or highlight from your time with the Huskies?
Elijah Molden: Probably the Apple Cup in 2018. We played in a blizzard. I just remember it was the most miserable game, but it was also the most fun.
Ed Hunt: Where are you currently training for the draft?
Elijah Molden: Right now, I’m at UW. Right now, it is just about getting healthy and getting in football shape.
Ed Hunt: Besides football, what other sports did you play in high school?
Elijah Molden: I used play basketball for two years. Just for fun. We ended up winning state five years in a row.
Ed Hunt: What positions did you play in high school?
Elijah Molden: I was a running back, outside receiver, and slot corner.
Ed Hunt: Coming out of high school, what programs showed interest in you?
Elijah Molden: Pretty much all the PAC-12. I wanted to stay close to home.
Ed Hunt: How would you sum up your career at Washington?
Elijah Molden: I think it ended abruptly with the Covid season. I got a lot better every year. It was leaps and bounds.
Ed Hunt: What are your strengths?
Elijah Molden: I would probably say my instincts, my football IQ, and my toughness.
Ed Hunt: What areas of your game are you trying to improve upon?
Elijah Molden: My pass rush is one. The basic fundamentals of being a DB.
Ed Hunt: Is there an NFL cornerback that you like to watch on film on?
Elijah Molden: There’s a lot of them. Tre’Davious White, Marlon Humphrey from Baltimore, Budda Baker, Tyrann Mathieu, Ed Reed tape, Darrelle Revis, and Ronde Barber.
Ed Hunt: What underclassmen on your team should we keep an eye out for next season?
Elijah Molden: Tre(nt) McDuffie for sure. That’s my guy.
Ed Hunt: Which wide receiver was your toughest matchup throughout your career?
Elijah Molden: Amon-Ra St. Brown from USC. He is solid.
Ed Hunt: What is the most important trait for a cornerback?
Elijah Molden: Patience. I think the players who fall for the first move, they never last.
Ed Hunt: What do you enjoy most about football?
Elijah Molden: I just say just the competitive nature of it. The best player of all-time Brady. He is still always trying to find ways to get better.
Ed Hunt: How has this journey of perseverance made you stronger?
Elijah Molden:I think it has just defined my character. Just set up a solid foundation for who I am. Being a backup for a few years and dealing with the nicks and bruises is going to make me better.
Ed Hunt: What are your hobbies?
Elijah Molden: I love to read, love to cook, and watch movies.
Ed Hunt: What do you want to do with your life after your football career is over?
Elijah Molden: I’m not too sure, I want it to be related to sports, athletics, and fitness in general.
Ed Hunt: What makes you unique?
Elijah Molden:My background. I come from a big family. I am one of eight kids. I approach the game like a middle schooler. Super curious in the game.
Ed Hunt: How would you describe yourself?
Elijah Molden: Determined, obsessive, lifetime-learner, thoughtful, and I love encouraging people and being a leader.
