Josiah Molden, West Linn freshman phenom, sets early visit schedule

It's early, but so far West Linn (Oregon) freshman phenom Josiah Molden is living up to the hype.

Through two games, the 6-foot, 160-pound cornerback has been targeted nine times, resulting in just two catches allowed for 17 yards and two pass break-ups.

Fair or not, that's the expectation for Molden given his last name and early offer sheet.

Molden is the son of former NFL first-round draft pick and Oregon Ducks legend Alex Molden, and the younger brother of Tennessee Titans defensive back and former Washington Huskies star Elijah Molden.

Billed as the "next cornerback up" in the Molden family since elementary school, Josiah has already picked up offers from Oregon, Oregon State, Washington and others.

Hoping to get a better look at his options, Molden has set an early unofficial visit schedule for the fall, where he is likely to be plenty familiar with the stomping grounds.

Molden will visit Washington on September 23, Oregon State on September 29 and Oregon on November 11.

It's far too early to project where he'll end up, but he is sure to generate interest from coast-to-coast, as he is one of the most highly-anticipated freshman prospects in modern Oregon high school football. 

In the meantime, however, Molden is focused on being a solid contributor for a West Linn football program that is favored to win the 6A state title and has made an early case to be nationally ranked this season.

The Lions are 2-0 with a 37-0 win over Nelson and a 41-3 win over Sheldon.

Next up? A Friday night clash with an 0-2 Jesuit Crusaders squad that has played elite competition and is likely a top-five team, talent-wise, in the state of Oregon.