IslandVibesIOP.com 11 just a short three-hour drive away up I-26 and I-77. “We are overjoyed and grateful that Monroe gets to play for the Panthers,” said his mom, Brandy. “Not only is Charlotte a quick trip from home, but Carolina is our home team, making it even more special that he gets to represent the Lowcountry.” While Freeling’s eldest brother Bridger resides in New York City, his older brother Tristan lives on IOP, and his younger brother Grayson attends USC. Freeling, who played his high school football at OCA in Mount Pleasant, became the first ever Landshark alum chosen in the NFL Draft. Former OCA quarterback Sam Hartman signed with the Washington Commanders in 2024 as an undrafted free agent, but Freeling is the only player from the school to be taken in the draft. Freeling has been described by NFL scouts and pundits as a raw talent with athleticism, agility and quickness. While his role with the team in his rookie season is yet to be determined at this early stage, his mentality is that he will start at left tackle. “I can’t go into this opportunity without thinking I’m going to start,” he stated. In the meantime, Freeling plans to work hard and do whatever the team asks of him. “I’ll give it my all,” he said. COMMUNITY Staying close to home: Panthers draft IOP resident Becomes first OCA alum drafted into NFL By Colin McCandless An island resident will be donning a Carolina Panthers jersey and representing the Lowcountry when the team takes the field next season. Recently drafted University of Georgia offensive tackle and Oceanside Collegiate Academy alum Monroe Freeling moved to Isle of Palms with his family during his sophomore year of high school. Freeling, who the Panthers selected with the No. 19 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, got to know the island working at Chunky’s Chairs & Umbrellas. Although he only spent three years on IOP before leaving for college, he remembers it as a great experience. The 6-foot-7-inch, 315-pound athlete, who started 18 games at left tackle with the Bulldogs, quipped that while he was a little too big for surfing, he enjoyed other aspects of beach life, including body surfing. “I spent a lot of time in the water,” he recalled. He also liked playing basketball at the rec center. Freeling said he is still processing the night of the draft on April 23 when Commissioner Roger Goodell called his name and he realized his dream of playing in the NFL. “It was a totally surreal reaction,” he reflected. Freeling acknowledged that he wasn’t expecting the Panthers to pick him at 19 so it took him by surprise. “I didn’t think they were taking a tackle. I can’t believe it. I’m so grateful. I’m excited.” He further noted that he and the player whose blind side he will one day be in charge of protecting, Panthers starting quarterback Bryce Young, share the same birthday (July 25), so perhaps he was just destined to play for Carolina after all. His family, which includes three brothers (two older, one younger) couldn’t be any more thrilled that he is staying close to home – even closer than when he lived in Athens, Georgia, as Freeling pointed out. The 21-yearold rookie will be playing home games L to R: Grayson, Bridger, Tristan, Monroe, Michael and Brandy Freeling posing in Bank of America Stadium with Monroe’s image displayed on the Panthers’ jumbotron.
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