Athletes Beyond Bartow: Ross signs with L.A. Chargers as an undrafted free agent

April 27, 2026 Charles Wilson / BartowSportsZone.com

Cartersville High product Devonte Ross signed with the Los Angeles Chargers of the National Football League this weekend as an undrafted free agent. Ross, who played three seasons at Troy University before playing his senior season at Penn State, had over 2,100 receiving yards in college.

Elsewhere, local athletes made their marks this past week in Minor League Baseball, college track and field, tennis, college softball, and college baseball.

MiLB

MASON BARNETT — Las Vegas Aviators (5th-year pro; MLB Athletics Triple-A franchise; Auburn; Cartersville HS) … made a five-inning, no-decision start last Saturday and allowed no runs on one hit and two walks. Las Vegas scored late to win 4-0. Barnett struck out seven, facing 18 batters. He improved his Triple-A ERA to 2.29 in four starts with a 2-0 record. The Aviators began the week with a 13-11 record. They play a six-game series at the Tacoma Rainiers this week.

LOGAN MARTIN — Richmond Flying Squirrels (4th-year pro; San Francisco Giants Double-A affiliate; Kentucky; Cartersville HS) … made a four-inning start this past Sunday and allowed three earned runs on five hits and one walk. He struck out five and received no decision at home in an eventual 4-3 win over the Somerset Patriots. Richmond entered the week with a 17-3 record, leading the Eastern League’s Southwest Division by four games over the Harrisburg Senators. The Squirrels play a six-game series this week at the Altoona Curve.

ANTHONY SEIGLER — Worcester Red Sox (9th-year pro; Boston Red Sox Triple-A affiliate; Cartersville HS) … went 3-for-13 across four home games last week versus the Syracuse Mets. Seigler had two walks and three RBI. Worcester entered the week with a 15-11 record. Worcester plays a six-game series this week at the Rochester Red Wings. 

NFL

DEVONTE ROSS — Los Angeles Chargers (1st-year pro; NFL; Penn State; Cartersville HS) … signed this past weekend as one of 18 undrafted free agents (two wide receivers) by the Chargers. Ross had 36 receptions for 501 yards and five touchdowns in his senior season for the Nittany Lions. He played his first three seasons at Troy University, amassing 1,618 yards on 129 catches with 14 touchdowns. Training camp for the Chargers is slated to begin July 17.

SOFTBALL

JORDAN BISHOP — Virginia Tech (Fr., Cartersville HS) … was hit by a pitch with the bases loaded last Friday to drive in a run in the sixth inning of the 13th-ranked Hokies’ 6-5 home win over North Carolina. Virginia Tech (41-9, 15-6 Atlantic Coast Conference) plays a three-game series at Syracuse on Friday through Sunday.

ANSLEY HIGHT — Reinhardt University (Jr., Cass HS) … went 2-for-5, including one home run, one double, two walks, scored one run, and had one RBI in two Eagles’ losses April 22 at Johnson University (TN). Reinhardt (23-9, 19-7 Appalachian Athletic Conference) opens play in the conference tournament in Kingsport, Tennessee, on Tuesday night versus Monday’s Bryan College/University of Pikeville winner. The tournament continues through Friday.

ALYSSA JARRETT — Piedmont University (Jr., Adairsville HS) … appeared in both games of a doubleheader last Friday at Wesleyan College in Macon and went 1-for-7 at the plate with one walk and scored one run. The Lions (24-14, 11-5 Collegiate Conference of the South) open play in the conference tournament in Oxford, Alabama, on Thursday. 

ERYN LEE — Reinhardt University (Sr., Cass HS) … entered as a pinch runner April 22 in an Eagles’ 2-1 loss at Johnson University (TN). Reinhardt (23-9, 19-7 Appalachian Athletic Conference) heads to Kingsport, Tennessee, for the conference championship tournament on Tuesday through Friday.

RACHAEL LEE — Valdosta State University (Sr., Cass HS) … went 2-for-8 in a series at the University of West Florida last Friday and Saturday, where VSU dropped two of three. Lee had one double, one walk, one run scored, and drove in four runs. The Blazers (22-24, 14-16 Gulf South Conference) host Union University (TN) for three games on Friday and Saturday.

AVA PERKINS — Lander University (Jr., Cartersville HS) … made three home starts last Friday and Saturday against USC Aiken and went 0-for-6 at the plate with two walks, one sacrifice hit, and one RBI. The Bearkats (31-16, 15-9 Peach Belt Conference) visit Columbus State University for a three-game series on Friday and Saturday.

ALEXIS WOODS — Tennessee State University (Jr., Cass HS) … went 3-for-9, including one double, one sacrifice hit, two runs scored, one stolen base, and two RBI in three home games last week. The Tigers beat Western Illinois on April 20, but lost three games to Southern Illinois-Edwardsville. Tennessee State (2-35, 2-22 Ohio Valley Conference) plays a three-game series at Eastern Illinois on Friday and Saturday.

BASEBALL

CAMERON ADAMS — Shorter University (R-Fr., Excel Christian Academy) … in four road games last week — a loss at Carson-Newman University and three games (two wins) at Southern Wesleyan University — the infielder went 2-for-12, including one walk, one hit by pitch, one run, and one RBI. The Hawks (17-28, 8-25 Conference Carolinas) did not qualify for the conference tournament.

DREW BILLINGS — Trinity College of Jacksonville (Sr., Woodland HS) … tossed a shutout fifth inning last Friday as the Eagles beat visiting Paine College (GA) 12-3. He allowed one hit and did not issue a walk. Trinity (20-19, 10-5 National Christian College Athletic Association South Region) begins play in the regional tournament on Monday, May 4, at Toccoa Falls College (GA).

CURT BONNER — LaGrange College (Sr., Cartersville HS) … in three home games last Friday and Saturday against Maryville College (TN), Bonner went 8-for-12, including two triples, one double, two hit by pitch, two walks, two stolen bases, six runs scored, and six RBI. He lifted his season batting average to .374. LaGrange (19-17, 8-10 Collegiate Conference of the South) begins the CCS Tournament on Wednesday at Trustman Park in Pearl, Mississippi.

CALEB DANIEL — Georgia Tech (So., Cartersville HS) … went 2-for-15, including one double, in four starts as the 3rd-ranked Yellow Jackets defeated the 5th-ranked University of Georgia on April 21 in Atlanta and swept a three-game home series versus Wake Forest over the weekend. Georgia Tech visits Kennesaw State University on Tuesday night and hosts Xavier University for three games on Friday through Sunday.

MICAH EARWOOD — Southeastern University (Sr., Cartersville HS) … made two relief appearances totaling 1-2/3 innings as the Fire split home games against New College (FL). Earwood allowed one earned run on three hits and two walks with three strikeouts. Southeastern (35-15, 19-9) faces St. Thomas University (FL) on Thursday afternoon in the first round of the Sun Conference Tournament in Fort Myers.

ELLIOTT EASTIN — Covenant College (Jr., Cartersville HS) … went 3-for-13 last week as the Scots dropped five road games — one at Berry College and four at Toccoa Falls College. Eastin had one double, four walks, scored one run, stole one base, and drove in four runs. Covenant (14-26, 6-12 Collegiate Conference of the South) did not qualify for the conference tournament.

COLIN EATON — East Tennessee State University (Sr., Cartersville HS) … in a third-inning relief appearance at Appalachian State University on April 21, Eaton walked one and hit one batter, completing a scoreless inning in a 3-1 loss to the Mountaineers. The Buccaneers also dropped two of three games at Western Carolina University over the weekend. ETSU (26-15, 9-6 Southern Conference) welcomes UNC Asheville on Tuesday night and plays a three-game, non-conference series at UConn on Friday through Sunday.

RYAN FARR — Kentucky Christian University (So., Adairsville HS) … made a 1-1/3 innings relief appearance last Friday and was charged with the pitching loss as the Knights dropped a 17-6 decision at Oakland City College (IN). Farr (2-2) allowed four earned runs on one hit and four walks with one strikeout. KCU finished the regular season 22-22 overall and 11-16 in the River States Conference.

RYAN JOHNSON — University of Illinois (Fr., Cartersville HS) … pitched a scoreless ninth inning, allowing one walk with one strikeout in the Illini’s 13-6 home loss April 21 to Illinois State. Illinois (21-21, 9-12 Big Ten Conference) also lost two of three at home this past weekend to 20th-ranked Nebraska. They visit Bradley University on Tuesday and play a three-game series at the University of Iowa this weekend. 

AIDAN LARKIN — Georgia Highlands College (Fr., Cartersville HS) … went 5-for-11, including one homer, one triple, one double, four runs scored, and three RBI in road wins April 21 and 23 at Andrew College and East Georgia State. The Chargers (41-11, 21-4 Georgia Collegiate Athletic Association) finish regular-season play this week with a doubleheader on Tuesday at South Georgia State and a single game on Thursday at Gordon State.

HUNTER LOVETT — Oglethorpe University (Fr., Cass HS) … allowed one earned run on two walks and one hit this past Saturday, retiring only one batter in a fifth-inning relief appearance and Stormy Petrels’ 3-2 loss at Centre College (KY). Oglethorpe (18-18, 9-9 Southern Athletic Association) dropped all three games in the series. They host Emory University on Tuesday night and welcome Sewanee-University of the South on Friday and Saturday for a three-game series.

SAM MELTON — Guilford College (Sr., Cartersville HS) … made an unsuccessful pinch-hitting appearance April 22 in the Quakers’ 10-1 win at Greensboro College. Guilford (19-19, 6-13 Old Dominion Athletic Conference) visits Carolina University (NC) on Tuesday to complete the season. The Quakers did not qualify for the conference tournament.

LUKE MILLER — Columbus State University (So., Cartersville HS) … in three starts last week — one at the University of Montevallo and two at Georgia Southwestern State University — Miller went 2-for-7, including one double, one walk, one sac fly, and three RBI. The Cougars suffered a 0-4 week and will look to bounce back starting Friday at the Peach Belt Conference Tournament in Greenwood, South Carolina, against USC Aiken.

AYDEN RAY — USC-Lancaster (So., Woodland HS) … went 2-for-7, including one sacrifice fly and three RBI in two games this past weekend at Gaston College (NC). The Lancers finished the regular season with a 22-26 record and went 9-20 in the Carolina Junior College Conference.

DREW ROTHSCHILD — Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College (Sr., Cartersville HS) … went 2-for-10, including one homer, one hit by pitch, three runs scored, and two RBI as the Stallions swept a three-game series at home over the University of Tennessee Southern.  ABAC (36-14, 20-7 Southern States Athletic Conference) is the No. 1 seed in the SSAC Championship Tournament that begins Wednesday through Saturday at Rockabillys Stadium in Jackson, Tennessee.

LOGAN SHREWSBURY — Columbus State University (Fr., Cartersville HS) … made a one-inning relief appearance April 21 with no decision in an 8-5 loss at the University of Montevallo (AL). He yielded one earned run on two hits, facing five batters in the frame. The Cougars (27-20, 18-12 Peach Belt Conference) dropped all three games in their weekend series in Americus. They begin the Peach Belt Conference Tournament on Friday in Greenwood, South Carolina, against USC Aiken.

HANK SMITH — University of West Georgia (R-Jr., Cartersville HS) … appeared in three games and made one start last week, going 2-for-5 in his plate appearances. The Wolves lost a home game with Kennesaw State University and dropped all three home games with Stetson University (FL). West Georgia (11-33, 8-13 Atlantic Sun Conference) travels to Knoxville to challenge the University of Tennessee on Tuesday night and hosts a three-game conference series with Queens University of Charlotte on Friday through Sunday.

DAVIS WILLIAMS — University of West Georgia (R-Jr., Cartersville HS) … made two relief appearances this past weekend at home versus Stetson University and was charged with a pitching loss in both. He gave up five earned runs on five hits and two walks. The Wolves (11-33, 8-13 Atlantic Sun Conference) visit the University of Tennessee on Tuesday night and welcome Queens University of Charlotte for a three-game conference series beginning Friday through Sunday.

SAWYER WILSON — Columbus State University (So., Cartersville HS) … made a six-inning start at Georgia Southwestern State University last Friday and received no decision in a 5-3 loss to the Hurricanes. Wilson allowed three earned runs on seven hits and one walk. He fanned seven. The Cougars (27-20, 18-12 Peach Belt Conference) dropped all three games in their series in Americus. They open play in the Peach Belt Conference Tournament against USC Aiken on Friday in Greenwood, South Carolina.

TENNIS

EMILY BUSH — University of North Georgia (Sr., Cartersville HS) … at the Peach Belt Conference Championship in Columbus this past weekend, Bush partnered with Linn Goerdes to win Line 2 doubles sets in a team quarterfinal win over Lander and a semifinal team loss to Flagler College (FL). She also had a Line 5 singles win versus Lander and a narrow Line 6 singles loss against Flagler. The 13th-ranked Nighthawks (16-7) await their fate regarding an at-large bid to the 48-team NCAA Division II National Tournament. The selection show is on Monday, May 4, at 8 p.m.

TRACK AND FIELD

BEN ABERNATHY — Reinhardt University (Fr., Cass HS) … placed 11th (19-07.50) in the long jump this past weekend at the Appalachian Athletic Conference Championships in Montreat, North Carolina. The Eagles are scheduled for the Emory Last Chance Meet on May 6.

McKINLEY CHAPPELL — Berry College (Sr., Woodland HS) … finished 20th (16:20.19) in the 5000-meter run this past weekend at the Southern Athletic Association Championships hosted by the Vikings. Next on the Berry schedule is the Emory Twilight Qualifier in Atlanta on May 6.

JUNE DeLAUDER — Reinhardt University (So., Cass HS) … finished 12th (1:14.93) in the 400-meter hurdles this past weekend at the Appalachian Athletic Conference Championships in Montreat, North Carolina. The Eagles are scheduled for the Emory Last Chance Meet on May 6.

ANDY FORSYTH — Berry College (So., Woodland HS) … won the men’s 800-meter run (1:53.21) as the Vikings hosted the Southern Athletic Association Championships this past weekend. Next on the Berry schedule is the Emory Twilight Qualifier in Atlanta on May 6. The NCAA Division III Outdoor Championships are May 21-23.

WILL PARKER — Columbia College (Fr., Woodland HS) … placed 5th (34:32.67) in the 5000-meter racewalk this past weekend at the Appalachian Athletic Conference Championships in Montreat, North Carolina.

JAYLEN SCOTT — Reinhardt University (Sr., Cartersville HS) … finished 17th (123-07) in the discus throw this past weekend at the Appalachian Athletic Conference Championships in Montreat, North Carolina. The Eagles are scheduled for the Emory Last Chance Meet on May 6.

JOSEPH WOMACK — Furman University (So., Cartersville resident, Darlington HS) … finished 17th (49.13) in the 400-meter dash at the UNC-Charlotte Invitational this past weekend. Next up for the Paladins is the Duke University Twilight on Sunday.