Polk County Sports Legends

Devon Stewart’s journey from Winter Haven to the college football stage was defined by versatility, physical dominance, and a rare multi-sport athletic profile that made him one of Polk County’s most intriguing tight end prospects of his era.

A Class of 2009 standout at Winter Haven High School, Stewart emerged as a versatile tight end and key contributor on teams that helped push Winter Haven into playoff contention against some of the most competitive programs in Florida. At 6-foot-3 and 201 pounds, he earned recognition as a 3-star recruit and was selected as a Florida Class 4A All-State performer in 2008. As a matchup problem in the passing game and a physical presence in the run game, Stewart developed into one of the more complete tight ends in his class out of Polk County. He also stood out as a multi-sport athlete, serving as a captain and starting power forward for Winter Haven’s basketball team while competing in track and field events including the 100-meter dash, high jump, and long jump.

Stewart continued his football career at North Carolina A&T State University, where he transitioned into a developmental tight end role and contributed within the Aggies’ offensive system. During his time at A&T, he recorded 12 receptions for 142 yards and 2 touchdowns as a redshirt freshman, averaging 11.8 yards per catch, showing early flashes as a receiving threat and vertical tight end option within the offense.

Following his time at A&T, Stewart transferred and continued his collegiate career at Virginia University of Lynchburg, where his role expanded significantly and he became a featured offensive weapon. In 2012, his development and projected impact earned him Preseason All-American recognition, reflecting his elevated status entering his upper collegiate years. He went on to lead the team in receptions, receiving yards, and touchdowns during the 2013 season, establishing himself as the primary focal point of the offense. That same year, he delivered one of his signature highlights with a 54-yard touchdown reception against North Carolina A&T, showcasing explosive ability and downfield playmaking from the tight end position.

Following his football career, Stewart transitioned into workforce development, mentoring, and creative media work, becoming involved in youth programming, professional development initiatives, and visual storytelling centered around community engagement.

From a Florida Class 4A All-State tight end at Winter Haven to a Division I contributor at North Carolina A&T and a Preseason All-American and offensive leader at Virginia University of Lynchburg, Devon Stewart’s journey reflects the progression of a Polk County athlete whose development, versatility, and production carried him across multiple levels of college football.

Brandon Roberts’ football journey from Winter Haven High School to the Division I level was built on toughness, persistence, and consistent defensive production, ultimately developing into one of the SWAC’s top linebackers during his collegiate career.

At Winter Haven High School, Roberts established himself as one of Polk County’s premier defensive players, earning All-County honors, along with Class 4A Third Team All-State and Second Team All-State recognition during his high school career. A physical, downhill linebacker with strong instincts and range, he helped anchor the Blue Devils defense while building a reputation as one of the more reliable defensive standouts in the area. His standout senior season also earned him selection to the prestigious Florida Athletic Coaches Association (FACA) North-South All-Star Classic, where he represented Polk County among the top senior players in the state.

Following high school, Roberts initially signed with Bethune-Cookman University before ultimately taking the junior college route to further develop his game. He continued his football career at Reedley College, where he developed physically and refined his skills against junior college competition. His performances at Reedley helped elevate his recruiting profile and paved the way for an opportunity at the Division I level.

Roberts eventually transferred to Alabama State University, where he quickly emerged as a key contributor on the Hornets defense. During the 2010 season, he finished with 58 total tackles, 3.5 tackles for loss, and 1.5 sacks, while ranking among the team leaders in tackles during portions of the year. His production earned him Second Team All-SWAC honors, establishing him early as one of the conference’s more productive linebackers.

By his senior season in 2012, Roberts delivered the strongest performance of his collegiate career, recording 79 total tackles, 10 tackles for loss, 2 sacks, 2 forced fumbles, and 1 interception, earning First Team All-SWAC honors for his impact as one of the league’s top linebackers. That same season, he also earned SWAC Defensive Player of the Week honors in consecutive weeks, first after a 15-tackle performance against Arkansas-Pine Bluff, and again following a game versus Alcorn State in which he posted 10 tackles, 2 tackles for loss, and a forced fumble, helping Alabama State limit Alcorn State to just 195 total yards of offense. Over the course of his Alabama State career, Roberts compiled approximately 137 total tackles, 13.5 tackles for loss, 3.5 sacks, 2 forced fumbles, and 1 interception, solidifying his role as one of the program’s most consistent and productive defensive players.

From earning All-County, Class 4A Third Team All-State, Class 4A Second Team All-State, and FACA North-South All-Star Classic recognition at Winter Haven, to signing with Bethune-Cookman before developing through the California junior college ranks at Reedley College, to becoming a First Team All-SWAC linebacker and defensive leader at Alabama State, Brandon Roberts’ journey reflects the path of a Polk County athlete who embraced development, stayed committed to the process, and made his mark at every level of football.

Kevin Foster went from the paint battles of Kathleen High School to Division I gyms and professional arenas, building a basketball career defined by skill, persistence, and impact at every level he reached.

At Kathleen, Foster emerged as one of the team’s leading scorers and interior anchors, earning All-County honors and selection to the Florida Class 4A All-State Team, placing him among the top players in his classification statewide. He was also a key contributor for a Kathleen squad that advanced to the FHSAA Class 4A State Tournament, helping the program reach postseason play and compete against some of the strongest teams in Florida during that stretch.

Foster began his collegiate career at George Mason University, where he made an early Division I impact as a freshman forward, highlighted by a 22-point, 9-rebound performance that showcased his ability to contribute against high-level competition. He later transferred to College of Central Florida, continuing his development at the junior college level before earning a Division I opportunity with Fresno State. At Fresno State, Foster served as a rotational forward in the Mountain West Conference, appearing in 88 career games with 31 starts, averaging 7.2 points and 5.1 rebounds per game, while shooting approximately 41% from the field. In his senior season, he elevated his production to 8.6 points and 6.3 rebounds per game, providing steady frontcourt minutes on a competitive, defense-oriented roster.

Following college, Foster pursued professional basketball opportunities, including time within the Lakeland Magic system. He also continued his career overseas, competing professionally internationally and extending his playing journey beyond the United States while contributing as a physical, energy-based frontcourt piece.

From the paint battles of Kathleen to Division I rotations at Fresno State and professional opportunities in the G League and overseas, Kevin Foster’s journey reflects skill, adaptability, and the ability to stay impactful at every level of the game.

Paul Cooper was a steady force in the paint at Auburndale — a skilled, physical post player whose size, work ethic, and consistency made him one of the most dependable interior presences to come through the Bloodhounds program.

At Auburndale High School, Cooper developed into a cornerstone of the lineup, anchoring the frontcourt with his rebounding, interior scoring, and defensive presence. Standing 6’8”, he combined size and skill in a way that made him a difficult matchup throughout Polk County. As a senior, he averaged 15.0 points and 9.0 rebounds per game, earning Class 5A All-State Honorable Mention honors while establishing himself as one of the top frontcourt players in his region.

Cooper continued his career at Gulf Coast State College, where he developed his game at the junior college level and earned All–Panhandle Second Team honors during his sophomore season. His production and development at Gulf Coast helped him earn an opportunity at the Division I level with Texas Tech University, competing in the Big 12 Conference. He later finished his collegiate career at Arkansas Tech University, continuing to contribute as a frontcourt player.

Following college, Cooper pursued a professional career beginning in 2014, competing in the National Basketball League of Canada, where he played for multiple teams including the Mississauga Power, Island Storm, Windsor Express, and KW Titans. He also extended his career overseas in Georgia with BC Rustavi, continuing to compete professionally and showcase his interior skillset at the international level.

From anchoring the paint for the Auburndale Bloodhounds to competing in Division I basketball and extending his career into the professional ranks, Paul Cooper’s journey reflects consistency, development, and the ability to turn a Polk County foundation into a global basketball path.

Kendall Berry was a big-play waiting to happen at Haines City — a dynamic, multi-position weapon whose ability to take over games with both his arm and legs made him one of the most electrifying athletes to come through the program.

At Haines City High School, Berry developed into one of Polk County’s most versatile offensive stars, starring as a quarterback in a triple-option system after beginning his career at running back. As a sophomore, he led the team with 705 rushing yards, and by his upperclass years, he had evolved into the engine of the offense. Berry rushed for 950 yards on 124 carries (95.1 yards per game) and 10 touchdowns, while adding 410 passing yards and 4 touchdowns through the air. He also contributed in the return game with 68 punt return yards, finishing as the team leader in scoring (64 points), rushing, and total offense (128.1 yards per game) — a true do-it-all playmaker who impacted every phase of the game. His production and versatility earned him All-County recognition and established him as one of the top athletes in the area.

Berry continued his football journey at Florida International University, where he made the transition to running back at the Division I level. Despite battling a knee injury that sidelined him during the 2008 season, Berry returned and continued to develop into a key contributor within the offense.

During the 2009 season, Berry emerged as one of FIU’s most efficient offensive weapons, rushing for 264 yards on 63 carries (4.2 avg) with 6 touchdowns, while adding 93 receiving yards and a receiving touchdown. He delivered back-to-back standout performances late in the season, including a 103-yard, three-touchdown game against Middle Tennessee, followed by an 82-yard, two-touchdown performance against North Texas. At one point, Berry scored six consecutive touchdowns across multiple games, showcasing his ability to take over offensively.

Over his collegiate career, he totaled 345 rushing yards on 77 carries (4.5 avg) with 6 rushing touchdowns, while adding 19 receptions for 176 yards and a touchdown, proving to be a versatile and reliable offensive weapon when healthy.
Tragically, Berry’s life was cut short in 2010 at just 22 years old, leaving behind loved ones, teammates, a university, and a community that deeply felt his loss.

From dominating as a dual-threat playmaker at Haines City to delivering explosive performances at the Division I level, Kendall Berry’s impact was undeniable — and though his life was cut short, his legacy lives on through the moments he created and the promise he carried.