As a youth football coach I have two prospects that are being approached by a couple of colleges. One is mine and the other kids big brother is a lineman at George Washington who will be going to the NFL 2nd round next year.
We already have enough issue with parents thinking their 8th grader is the next to go to the NFL.
We should block colleges from offering or even talking to these kids until their Jr year of HS. It’s way to much pressure for these kids, especially if they have season or career ending injuries I.e. my oldest.
It really does turn their parents into monsters, as coaches have to deal with these parents. Especially when they think their kid is the best when they are not even close.
Please let the kids play a fun game and have fun doing it.
Parents have that monster in them just waiting to get out, regardless of what year you allow college contact of their kids. Personally I would LOVE to see parents banned from attending grade school aged sports. ( I know it will never happen, nor should it) Parents/relatives are the WORST part of little league, pop warner, etc. etc.
as I've related before...my oldest son played ball (all state catcher) and hon mention QB. He's a coach now...I coached him. I've seen it (the disgusting behavior) at all levels (as is he now)...and it's horrible, and directly responsible for the umpire/referee shortage across the nation right now. I would say the good healthy perspective parents are in the minority today (at least that's what it seems like)...the loud mouthed, know it all, and verbally abusive "my little johnny is an athletic gift from god" parents are what we see most often. It's very sad, and embarrasses the athletes and takes away from their experience.
Kids are sometimes smarter than we think - my son played one year of tackle football - 5th grade. At the end of the season I asked how he liked it, and he responded: "I look at you, I look at mom, and I'll never be 6'4", 240 lbs will I?" I responded, probably not. He responded back: I think I'll stick with soccer!
135-185 Had 2 gym rat buddies that rode me until I stuck with it - 40+ years later still at it and staying at 180. Grateful I was able to establish healthy habits at an early age.
Hats off to Alex and Christin Molden. They are leading by example. Too many parents ignore their kids and don’t lead by correct example. Going to be fun watching Josiah move through life. Thanks John. Another great story.
One of the things I appreciate about your writing is the message you communicate by way of your story. The story may be forgotten but the message “you are not what you do” will be remembered.
John, this is another great story on the humanity of sports and what is possible. Sounds like the family has it all together and can handle the deal. As you said, the recruiting of younger phenoms has been going on for a long time. I remember Bob Knight wrapping up Damon Bailey in the mid 80s for IU when we lived there at the time. It was big news, but now I assume it is and will be done more often. And any discussion about it in the PAC-12 footprint just makes me laugh given all the other current events.
Same here... but you realize it's non-binding. More of a nod from Oregon than anything. They're recruiting the kid. They see something. I don't blame them. I see it too.
Only downside I see in this is the many 8th grade parents who will now see this as the "standard", as opposed to the rare, rare exception. Oldcrankyguy is spot on about the ever-lurking "monster parents." They're crazy enough without using this to promote their child.
I have mixed feelings about recruitment this early but see the father's guidance, what you do isn't who you are, as what can carry young Josh safely through. Hopefully.
I grew up with Charlie Warren, all american Oregon Hall of Fame basketball player, in our neighborhood. Sports dominated our life, and Charlie dominated our sports. He was so superior to the rest of us in Basketball, football and baseball, and we all knew it. At Roosevelt Junior High the baseball diamond was oriented such that the boys gym was the left field fence. Almost never did any of us hit it as far as the wall. Charlie would hit it over the building. Same in basketball, none of us could guard him. When the rest of us were playing at University Park, Charlie would be at the outside court, rain or shine, practicing his moves against imaginary opponents by himself. For hours. I don't remember the distance, but in high school he could throw the football as far as any college quarterback.Accurately.
One of my most fun memories--When we were young businessmen in Eugene we'd play an annual "Mud Bowl." We'd have captains lead an annual "draft," choosing teammates. It was an honor to be invited to participate. We'd find the muddiest field (usually a practice field next to South Eugene) and play. What started as a fun joke, nobody taking it seriously, escalated into each team upping their level, practicing and figuring out how to surprise the other team. The last year I participated we actually borrowed Oregon Uniforms and organized cheerleaders. Word spread over the years and we'd actually attract a small crowd. A highlight for me was when Charlie threw a fifty-yard pass to me in the end zone. The defender (I think Tony Keller, stockbroker and brother of the then mayor, Gus Keller) and I went up for the ball and I came down with it--completion for the winning touchdown. The thrill for me was not so much the win but that I caught a pass from Charlie.
I asked Joey. He was not offered by Oregon until he was 18... fall of his senior year. His first offer came from Oregon State in the spring of his junior year. He was 17. Stanford offered later that summer.
I had read this before too. I Googled and it said " Len Casanova sent him a letter of "intent" to play football because his father played quarterback for Oregon from 1967 to 1969".... little did they know at the time! 😊
HOLY CRIPE!! LET KIDS BE KIDS!! Colleges contacting 8 th graders for any reason is rediculous and in fact damaging. There is no way Josiah, regardless of how attentive his parents may be, can grow into a young adult without some sense of unrealistic fantasy about who he is. I concede the Molden family may prevent, or mostly prevent, Josiah from creating himself probems, but it is unlikely. Less fortunate familys would not stand a chance. I agree with oldcrankydude; Not sooner than 11th grade.
ps....John, your column started with Josiah but ended with you. Your columns cannot help but reflect, at least to a degree, who you are by the topics you choose and the skill with which you write. I suspect that the majority if not the entirety of your subscribers would agree: You should be proud!
I agree with you Al. Kids have so much to deal with in the information age without the added distraction and pressure by having colleges giving them early unreal expectations of grandeur. These verbal offers are worthless... a kid could get ten - so what? Let 'em be kids. I'm not sure a twelve yer old really understands the concept of 'keeping it in perspective'... compared to what?
Great column about a great family. I have always been impressed with Alex Molden as a player and as a person.
I don't think he was offered until much later, but I know that Jonathan Stewart was on Oregon's radar while he was still in a Seattle area middle school. That worked out pretty well!
I don't see it as publicity. I think he's trying to be pro-active because he knows the kid is going to be good and doesn't want to lose him. That first offer matters to some kids. It's non-binding... but interesting.
And the hater just keeps on hating. You should read this link. it has many of the underage football players getting offers with some pac schools doing the offering, from Cal, Arizona, Utah, Washington, BYU, etc. But you keep up your hate for Oregon...it's what you do.
As a youth football coach I have two prospects that are being approached by a couple of colleges. One is mine and the other kids big brother is a lineman at George Washington who will be going to the NFL 2nd round next year.
We already have enough issue with parents thinking their 8th grader is the next to go to the NFL.
We should block colleges from offering or even talking to these kids until their Jr year of HS. It’s way to much pressure for these kids, especially if they have season or career ending injuries I.e. my oldest.
It really does turn their parents into monsters, as coaches have to deal with these parents. Especially when they think their kid is the best when they are not even close.
Please let the kids play a fun game and have fun doing it.
I think the perspective is important. Really critical.
Parents have that monster in them just waiting to get out, regardless of what year you allow college contact of their kids. Personally I would LOVE to see parents banned from attending grade school aged sports. ( I know it will never happen, nor should it) Parents/relatives are the WORST part of little league, pop warner, etc. etc.
I've seen lots of parents with good, healthy perspective. Some don't have it though. I think modeling good behavior and healthy outlooks are vital.
as I've related before...my oldest son played ball (all state catcher) and hon mention QB. He's a coach now...I coached him. I've seen it (the disgusting behavior) at all levels (as is he now)...and it's horrible, and directly responsible for the umpire/referee shortage across the nation right now. I would say the good healthy perspective parents are in the minority today (at least that's what it seems like)...the loud mouthed, know it all, and verbally abusive "my little johnny is an athletic gift from god" parents are what we see most often. It's very sad, and embarrasses the athletes and takes away from their experience.
The screen name “Grant’s Dad” didn’t exactly scream perspective 😂
AMEN! I think that no 8th grader would let this go to his head, right?
Kids are sometimes smarter than we think - my son played one year of tackle football - 5th grade. At the end of the season I asked how he liked it, and he responded: "I look at you, I look at mom, and I'll never be 6'4", 240 lbs will I?" I responded, probably not. He responded back: I think I'll stick with soccer!
Keep feeding that brain of his.
I had neither size nor speed in high school, so I ran cross country and played baseball. 😆
We all find our path.
Same - tennis for me! Put on 50 lbs in college so guess I qualified as Late Bloomer
That's an amazing gain.
135-185 Had 2 gym rat buddies that rode me until I stuck with it - 40+ years later still at it and staying at 180. Grateful I was able to establish healthy habits at an early age.
Hats off to Alex and Christin Molden. They are leading by example. Too many parents ignore their kids and don’t lead by correct example. Going to be fun watching Josiah move through life. Thanks John. Another great story.
Really healthy perspective.
John, I love these stories. Charlie
Thanks Charlie
One of the things I appreciate about your writing is the message you communicate by way of your story. The story may be forgotten but the message “you are not what you do” will be remembered.
I have to remind myself every day...
John, this is another great story on the humanity of sports and what is possible. Sounds like the family has it all together and can handle the deal. As you said, the recruiting of younger phenoms has been going on for a long time. I remember Bob Knight wrapping up Damon Bailey in the mid 80s for IU when we lived there at the time. It was big news, but now I assume it is and will be done more often. And any discussion about it in the PAC-12 footprint just makes me laugh given all the other current events.
Thanks for the story!
Thank you. I covered Knight as a beat reporter in 1998-99. It was a great experience for me. Luke Recker, AJ Guyton, etc.
The Mouldens sound like good people. I will admit that offering eighth graders a full ride scholarship makes me a bit uneasy... for multiple reasons.
Same here... but you realize it's non-binding. More of a nod from Oregon than anything. They're recruiting the kid. They see something. I don't blame them. I see it too.
I think I enjoyed the part of the story about the parents and there philosophy on parenting more then the scholarship offer
That was the heart of it. Yes.
Only downside I see in this is the many 8th grade parents who will now see this as the "standard", as opposed to the rare, rare exception. Oldcrankyguy is spot on about the ever-lurking "monster parents." They're crazy enough without using this to promote their child.
The monster parents... are out there regardless. I know. I've met lots of them. :)
I have mixed feelings about recruitment this early but see the father's guidance, what you do isn't who you are, as what can carry young Josh safely through. Hopefully.
I grew up with Charlie Warren, all american Oregon Hall of Fame basketball player, in our neighborhood. Sports dominated our life, and Charlie dominated our sports. He was so superior to the rest of us in Basketball, football and baseball, and we all knew it. At Roosevelt Junior High the baseball diamond was oriented such that the boys gym was the left field fence. Almost never did any of us hit it as far as the wall. Charlie would hit it over the building. Same in basketball, none of us could guard him. When the rest of us were playing at University Park, Charlie would be at the outside court, rain or shine, practicing his moves against imaginary opponents by himself. For hours. I don't remember the distance, but in high school he could throw the football as far as any college quarterback.Accurately.
One of my most fun memories--When we were young businessmen in Eugene we'd play an annual "Mud Bowl." We'd have captains lead an annual "draft," choosing teammates. It was an honor to be invited to participate. We'd find the muddiest field (usually a practice field next to South Eugene) and play. What started as a fun joke, nobody taking it seriously, escalated into each team upping their level, practicing and figuring out how to surprise the other team. The last year I participated we actually borrowed Oregon Uniforms and organized cheerleaders. Word spread over the years and we'd actually attract a small crowd. A highlight for me was when Charlie threw a fifty-yard pass to me in the end zone. The defender (I think Tony Keller, stockbroker and brother of the then mayor, Gus Keller) and I went up for the ball and I came down with it--completion for the winning touchdown. The thrill for me was not so much the win but that I caught a pass from Charlie.
Kids always know who stands out in their group...
Love the memories.
Wasn't Joey Harrington offered a scholarship like just after he was born by Len Casanova?
I asked Joey. He was not offered by Oregon until he was 18... fall of his senior year. His first offer came from Oregon State in the spring of his junior year. He was 17. Stanford offered later that summer.
I had read this before too. I Googled and it said " Len Casanova sent him a letter of "intent" to play football because his father played quarterback for Oregon from 1967 to 1969".... little did they know at the time! 😊
Brilliant take, Mr. C
“Alex Molden tells his kids: “Know who you are. Know what your passions are. Move forward. Don’t let this thing define who you are.” “
Indeed
GO DAWGS
Family of origin is powerful stuff.
HOLY CRIPE!! LET KIDS BE KIDS!! Colleges contacting 8 th graders for any reason is rediculous and in fact damaging. There is no way Josiah, regardless of how attentive his parents may be, can grow into a young adult without some sense of unrealistic fantasy about who he is. I concede the Molden family may prevent, or mostly prevent, Josiah from creating himself probems, but it is unlikely. Less fortunate familys would not stand a chance. I agree with oldcrankydude; Not sooner than 11th grade.
ps....John, your column started with Josiah but ended with you. Your columns cannot help but reflect, at least to a degree, who you are by the topics you choose and the skill with which you write. I suspect that the majority if not the entirety of your subscribers would agree: You should be proud!
Thanks Al.
I agree with you Al. Kids have so much to deal with in the information age without the added distraction and pressure by having colleges giving them early unreal expectations of grandeur. These verbal offers are worthless... a kid could get ten - so what? Let 'em be kids. I'm not sure a twelve yer old really understands the concept of 'keeping it in perspective'... compared to what?
Outstanding column! Well said on life!
Thanks Robert. Glad you're here for it.
Great column about a great family. I have always been impressed with Alex Molden as a player and as a person.
I don't think he was offered until much later, but I know that Jonathan Stewart was on Oregon's radar while he was still in a Seattle area middle school. That worked out pretty well!
Yes... truth.
Loved your description of the Molden kids. I'm encouraged that coach Lanning is looking that far in future.
Bob, Lanning is not reserving a scholarship this far out. IMO, it's a cheap publicity play using an 8th-grade kid.
I'm a Ducks fan but I hate this.
I don't see it as publicity. I think he's trying to be pro-active because he knows the kid is going to be good and doesn't want to lose him. That first offer matters to some kids. It's non-binding... but interesting.
Fair enough but why not simply tell the kid that he has his eye on him and is impressed with his play to date?
Down the road will an 8th grader in his senior year of high school truly consider an offer such as this? Perhaps.
It would be interesting to see how many of these offers to kids this age are consummated.
But all that aside it was a very interesting human-interest story. I love these human interest takes. Thank you.
Don't always agree with you. You hit the nail on the head.
Typical Arrogant Oregon. Must be a slow day at the office
Or, my 76-year-old brain experienced a cogent moment?
I am often wrong but never in doubt. Disagreement is more than understood.
I expect this kind of stuff out of Lane Kiffin but not coming from Oregon.
And the hater just keeps on hating. You should read this link. it has many of the underage football players getting offers with some pac schools doing the offering, from Cal, Arizona, Utah, Washington, BYU, etc. But you keep up your hate for Oregon...it's what you do.
https://prepredzone.com/2021/10/comprehensive-list-of-8th-graders-2026-with-verbal-offers/
I don't think he wants the perception of being behind.