South Carolina's Most Talented: No. 8 (tie) Oceanside Collegiate

In only their sixth season as a program, the Oceanside Collegiate Academy Landsharks made their first appearance in a state championship game in 2022. Though the end result was disappointing (a loss to Abbeville), it is safe to say that head coach Chad Wilkes has something brewing.   The 2022 season was Wilkes' first as head coach and he admits he walked into a program with a solid foundation and a group of players who were as focused and determined as they were talented. That talent level is why the Landsharks rate so high in the <a href="https://prepredzone.com/2023/02/south-carolinas-most-talented-no-8-tie-south-florence/">Top 10 of Prep Red Zone's list</a>.   "I saw it on day one," Wilkes says. "There was talent all over the field but they also had a good confidence to them. They expected to be good and they worked extremely hard to make sure they maximized their abilities. That group wanted to be great."   Wilkes expects the OCA program to continue its growth and will contend for championships in the future. The 2023 team will look different than last fall's juggernaut as most schools struggle to replace a senior class as talented as the OCA's most recent senior group.   [player_tooltip player_id='89337' first='Monroe' last='Freeling'] OL, 2023   Freeling was the state's top-ranked prospect and one of the best in the country. He is so advanced that he already is competing for major playing time at left tackle for the two-time National Champion Georgia Bulldogs.   Freeling has great feet, balance, athleticism and a mean streak that goes well with a 6-7, 290-pound (and growing) frame.   "I could coach 30 more years and probably never have another opportunity to coach a player like Monroe," Wilkes said. "He was that good, that talented and that dominant at his position."   [player_tooltip player_id='89344' first='Vaughn' last='Blue'] RB, 2023   Blue was one of the state's more versatile running backs. Despite missing six games, the 5-10, 185-pounder still managed 1,266 yards, averaging 6.8 yards per carry. He tallied 3,253 yards for his career and scored 35 touchdowns. He added more than 500 receiving yards and his ability to catch passes out of the backfield will be a threat at Liberty University, where he signed in December.   Blue has 4.5 speed but also runs with power between the tackles. He runs more physical than his size would indicate and loves contact.   "I think everyone will see him develop at the next level and his best football is in front of him," Wilkes said.   [player_tooltip player_id='146357' first='Tim' last='Castain'] DL, 2023   A strong, powerful lower body enabled Castain to explode off the snap and abuse over-matched offensive linemen. The North Greenville signee racked up 80 tackles in 2022, including 23 tackles for loss and five sacks. A dominant inside performer against the run with a high level of energy.   [player_tooltip player_id='146381' first='Zach' last='Hagedon'] DB, 2023   One of more under-rated players in the state but one that could be a big-time performer on the college level. The Old Dominion signee is likely a corner on the next level. In 2022, Hagedon posted 98 tackles, 10 tackles for loss, three interceptions and returned two kicks for touchdowns.   Hagedon is athletic and loose in coverage and was one of the surest tacklers of any cornerback in the state. His physicality, in fact, was probably his biggest strength.   [player_tooltip player_id='202746' first='Jace' last='Kraftchick'] WR/LB, 2023   One of the better two-way players in the state, Kraftchick still is weighing his college options with several FCS schools in competition for his services. A few schools feel the 6-3, 200-pounder is best suited as a receiver, Kraftchick caught 29 passes for 591 yards during the 2022 season.   However, others feel Kraftchick should play linebacker at the next level. He tallied 101 tackles during the 12-2 season of 2022.   "I mean, here's a guy that had 12 tackles and 132 receiving yards in the state championship game," Wilkes said. "He's a football player, plain and simple."    [player_tooltip player_id='139300' first='Ben' last='Britton'] DL, 2024   Britton already is piling up some offers as he prepares for his senior season. Britton played at 6-3, 255-pounds during 2022 but already has added 20 pounds of good weight, according to Wilkes. Britton has offers from James Madison, Old Dominion, Liberty and East Carolina through mid-February.   Strength and power are evident when watching Britton play. as is his high motor and physicality. As a sophomore, Britton pushed 225-pounds on the bench 17 times. His max bench was 365 last spring and that number continues to rise. He also starts on the OCA offensive line.   "He literally never comes off the field unless the game is decided," Wilkes said. "He's a beast. He plays so hard and he is a really physical player. He works hard, he practices hard. He never stops. And he's so explosive. He will have a bunch of offers before the season even starts."   Britton had 77 tackles, including 17 tackles for loss, in 2022.    "

In only their sixth season as a program, the Oceanside Collegiate Academy Landsharks made their first appearance in a state championship game in 2022. Though the end result was disappointing (a loss to Abbeville), it is safe to say that head coach Chad Wilkes has something brewing.