Molden visits USC, eyes Stanford trip

Four-star cornerback Elijah Molden picked up his fourth scholarship offer Thursday from Washington State to add to an already busy spring evaluation period.

The early Rivals100 member for the 2017 class had a solid showing at the last stop in the Rivals Camp Series Presented by Under Armour in the Los Angeles area last weekend, cracking the top underclassmen list, and made use of the trip to California by visiting USC, which has showed interest by sending assistant coaches Peter Sirmon and Justin Wilcox to West Linn, Ore., in recent weeks.

"USC was nice," Molden said. "Actually, all the coaches were gone recruiting, so I had an assistant recruiting director show me around and I loved it. The tradition there is great. They put on a highlight tape that shows all the great players that have gone there. It was exciting.

"They have great coaches, too. I'm very familiar with coach Sirmon and Wilcox -- they both went to Oregon when my parents were there. Coach Wilcox played with my dad."

The 5-foot-10, 172-pound prospect could have a busy summer as well. Washington has offered already and Molden is highly intrigued by what the Huskies have done since coach Chris Petersen arrived.

"The education there is great," Molden said. "Washington has brought out some good defensive backs in recent years and I want to visit to see what it's all about."

Molden said Michigan assistant Jay Harbaugh stopped by his school last week and the Wolverines have expressed interest. No offer has arrived yet, but Molden said he's hopeful that will come down the road.

Up next on the itinerary is a stop at Stanford this coming weekend.

"They offered recently and I didn't see it coming," Molden said. "They talked to me once before and the second time they talked to me they actually offered, so I was really excited about that. I love Stanford and my parents love it, and I can't wait to check it out. I've heard all good things about it."

Oregon is the other offer for Molden, whose father played for the Ducks. Though he likes the in-state program a lot, Molden said he's not planning to make an early decision and would like to take all five official visits during the 2016 season before committing to a school.

Molden also had an impressive sophomore season on the offensive side of the ball, rushing for 784 yards and nine touchdowns on 110 carries. He also had 38 receptions for 542 yards and seven scores.