The Arizona Wildcats are adding another quarterback to the mix – one whose name is better known in baseball circles.
Donavan Tate, the third pick in the 2009 MLB draft, is set to join the UA football team this summer. Although he is 26 years old – and will turn 27 in September – Tate has no college or pro football playing experience and will be a freshman this season.
After being drafted by the San Diego Padres and receiving a signing bonus in excess of $6 million, Tate played parts of six seasons in the minor leagues for the Padres and Los Angeles Dodgers. He never made it above high A-ball.
Tate also has had off-the-field issues, including substance abuse that forced him into rehab.
Tate will be a walk-on, and the Padres will pay his college costs, per his original baseball contract.
Tate will compete with incumbent Brandon Dawkins, a redshirt junior, and sophomore Khalil Tate (no relation). Arizona also is bringing in two other freshmen: K’hari Lane and Rhett Rodriguez, the son of UA coach Rich Rodriguez.
We’ll have more on this developing story later tonight.
