The Wolverine continues its series of the top 25 Michigan players since 1997 with No. 23, David Molk.
Molk was the centerpiece for one of the best offensive lines in recent Michigan history, playing with linemates Taylor Lewan and Michael Schoefield. He also helped to pave the way for the most recent 1,000-yard running back in Michigan history, clearing holes for Fitzgerald Toussaint's 1,041-yard season in 2011.
A three-star recruit from Lemont, Ill., Molk was listed as the No. 5 center in the country according to Rivals.com and played in the East-West All-American Game following his senior year at Lemont Township. After arriving at Michigan, Molk redshirted his first year in Ann Arbor.
At Michigan, Molk was a member of the 2011 Sugar Bowl winning team and was the Wolverines' starting center each of his final four seasons, though he missed time due to injury his second season as the starter. During his fifth year at Michigan, both Toussaint and quarterback Denard Robinson rushed for over 1,000 yards, and Molk was named a consensus All-American and won the 2011 Rimmington Trophy, awarded to the nation's top offensive lineman. Molk was also voted All-Big Ten first team by the coaches in both 2010 and 2011.
Molk was invited to participate in the 2012 NFL Draft Combine, but due to an injury, he only took part in the bench press, where he put up 41 reps. His 41 reps on the bench that year were the most by an offensive lineman and second most by any player, finishing only behind Dontari Poe. The mark was also the third best by an offensive lineman since 2000.
The San Diego Chargers selected Molk with the 19th pick in the seventh round of the 2012 NFL Draft, having slid down the draft due to his smaller size for the center position. Molk played in 12 games in his rookie season, though he ended the year on injured reserve and was cut in August 2013. The Eagles signed Molk to a futures contract in 2014 but another injury derailed his career and he retired early in 2016.
