NFF National Scholar-Athletes
Elijah Molden, DB – University of Washington
3.56 GPA – Communications
Head Coach: Jimmy Lake | Athletics Director: Jennifer Cohen
Faculty Athletics Representative: Dr. Alexes Harris
An All-America defensive back who led Washington in tackles last season, Elijah Molden notched equal success in the classroom by having already earned his degree. The West Linn, Oregon, native becomes the Huskies' 10th NFF National Scholar-Athlete.
A 2019 Academic All-District selection, Molden graduated in May 2020 with a degree in communications. The 2018 First Team Academic All-Pac-12 honoree and 2019 Pac-12 Academic Honor Roll member received the 2019 UW Husky and 101 Club Academic awards.
A team captain in 2020, Molden recorded 26 tackles and one interception while leading Washington to a 3-1 record. Originally awarded the Pac-12 North Division title, the Huskies were unable to play in the 2020 Pac-12 Championship game due to COVID-19 policies, and the team announced it will not play in a bowl game. A semifinalist for the 2020 Lott IMPACT Trophy, Molden played in all 44 game of his career.
Molden won the 2020 Guy Flaherty Award, Washington football's oldest and most prestigious team honor given to the most inspirational player, along with the team's defensive most valuable player award. He was also named a 2020 Pro Football Focus Second Team All-American.
A two-time All-Pac-12 performer, Molden earned First Team honors in 2019 and Second Team accolades in 2018. A 2019 Pro Football Focus Second Team All-American, he led Washington with 79 tackles, four interceptions and 12 pass breakups last season. Molden was named the MVP of last season's Las Vegas Bowl after totaling nine tackles, a half tackle for loss, a forced fumble and an interception in the win over Boise State.
As a sophomore in 2018, Molden was named the Huskies' Most Outstanding Special Teams Player after helping guide Washington to the Pac-12 title. He led the team to two New Year's Six game berths in the 2017 Fiesta Bowl and the 2019 Rose Bowl, and helped the Huskies finish in the top 16 in the final rankings in both 2017 (No. 16) and 2018 (No. 13). Molden is tied for sixth all-time at UW with 25 passes broken up in his career.
