College recruiting

By CarolinaJacket

July 19, 2008 3:49 PM | Link to this

He can always try baseball and come back to football if it doesn’t work. Good luck Donovan regardless of which way you decide to go.

By Don

July 19, 2008 4:16 PM | Link to this

A chip off the old block, good job young man!

By StewDawg

July 19, 2008 4:29 PM | Link to this

I hope he does what he enjoys most. The kid is a heck of a talent either way. As a Dawg fan, I’d love to see him playing in Sanford on Saturdays and maybe help UGA get back to the CWS in a few years. He could pick up a few title rings on his way to the NFL/MLB, but whatever he decides, he’s got a great future ahead. His daddy was a DGD. GATA Donovan.

By Skydawg

July 19, 2008 6:33 PM | Link to this

I faced the same decision when I was high school. Its a very tough decision. My bread was buttered in baseball, but I wasn’t a sure shot D1 prospect in football so it was an easier decision for me to originally decide to forgo my senior year in football. But it took about 2 weeks of summer practice for me to realize I wasn’t ready to give up on football yet. 13 of years of playing and it gets in your blood.

My advise, and not that it matters and who cares anyway, but stick it out in both sports Donovan. Because you just never know. A perfect example is the Lombard kid out of Lovett high school. A high round draft pick for the Braves and UGA football commitment who chose to turn pro in baseball and forgo his football scolly to UGA. It never panned out.

You just never know, especially at 16-18 yrs old when and what sport these athletes are going to peak. Even though I believe he’s a tremendously talented kid in both sports, it’s just extremely tough to get to the major league level in baseball. Its a shear numbers game with a worldwide pool of baseball players to pick from with smaller rosters, 25 players in MLB and 56 players in the NFL per team.

And I am nearly positive that most colleges that have offered him a football scholarship would have no problem with him playing baseball. I know Mark Richt has already told him he would have no problem with it just like he told Israel Troupe.

So hang in there Donovan, its a tough decision and no one could question it if it’s how you truly feel. There is no doubt you stand a far greater chance of injury in football. But looking back on experience, I know it was the worst decision I ever made. And thank goodness I had a forgiving HS football coach who welcomed me back 2 weeks into summer practice. But I think you will honestly regret it if you choose not to player your senior year in football. It’s one of the best experiences you will have looking back.

By Dave

July 19, 2008 6:41 PM | Link to this

Easy decision. Fewer injuries in baseball equals longer career.

By Michael

July 19, 2008 7:19 PM | Link to this

You should do what you love.

By Billy

July 19, 2008 9:10 PM | Link to this

who could ever forget the great Lovett High School Running Back George Lombard who was one of the best backs in the State and decided to play baseball instead of going to UGA to play football. His baseball career became a HUGE disappointment with the Braves and he never got to hear the cheer of 80,000 plus Georiga fans on a Fall Saturday in the South…sad. Hopefully Donovan will be successful which ever way he goes but I can’t forget the Lombard story. PLAY BOTH!

By Billy

July 19, 2008 9:10 PM | Link to this

who could ever forget the great Lovett High School Running Back George Lombard who was one of the best backs in the State and decided to play baseball instead of going to UGA to play football. His baseball career became a HUGE disappointment with the Braves and he never got to hear the cheer of 80,000 plus Georgia fans on a Fall Saturday in the South…sad. Hopefully Donovan will be successful which ever way he goes but I can’t forget the Lombard story. PLAY BOTH!

By Coach Bailey

July 19, 2008 9:15 PM | Link to this

Give me a call next week Donovan. We still need to work on a few things if you plan on doing this baseball thing. I’m in Panama City right now but will return on Monday. You,Travis and I will have a sitdown then maybe at the 4-Way. GL,Coach Bailey

By george

July 19, 2008 9:28 PM | Link to this

Good Luck whatever you choose. But remember you will only have one Senior year, and enjoy it to the fullest.

By Coach McDaniel

July 19, 2008 9:33 PM | Link to this

I am a former Purple Hurricane, and Donovan I have watched you since you played 12 and under basketball with Coach Buc Rogers.

Stick with baseball……I am very proud of you and only wish your peers like B. Hall could have made the grades, because he is very talented in basketball. Oh well……..march on young man…..march on!!

By Realist

July 19, 2008 9:40 PM | Link to this

As everyone opines on what sport young Donovan should pursue, let’s hope that he has taken his academics more seriously at Cartersville than he did at Marist, just in case the more than 98% chance occurs that he excels at neither sport, meaning he will have to join the average Joe in the workplace. Nobody in this blog has mentioned what is best for him; GETTING A GOOD EDUCATION!!! If a pro career concurs, great. Donovan came to Marist, didn’t hit the books and was quickly shown the door. I don’t know how he is performing at Cartersville but hopefully they are holding him somewhat accountable, even though I know of no Nobel Prize winners from that school. So, instead of patting him on the back for being a good athlete, how about readers encouraging him to get a good education first?

By Coach McDaniel

July 19, 2008 9:41 PM | Link to this

I am a former Purple Hurricane, and Donovan I have watched you since you played 12 and under basketball with Coach Buc Rogers.

Stick with baseball……I am very proud of you and only wish your peers like B. Hall could have made the grades, because he is very talented in basketball. Oh well……..march on young man…..march on!!

By Realist

July 19, 2008 9:53 PM | Link to this

To Skydawg,

I forgot to ask, and be truthful, since you were faced with the same decision. How did your sports career turn out and what are you doing workwise at present?

By Heart Doc in C'ville

July 19, 2008 11:11 PM | Link to this

Dear “BY REALIST” I suggest that BEFORE you get on line and disgrace this kid and his academics you clearly need to get ALL OF YOUR FACTS straight. Yes, it is true that Tate came to Marist. However, NEVER WAS HE “shown the door” due to his academics. So you have your facts straight…..Tate’s mother withdrew Tate and returned him to C’ville due to the fact she was caring for her father who had been diagnosed with cancer and since she was the sole provider/caretaker of the father/grandfather. She and Donavan were still living in C’ville while he was attending Marist and driving back and forth to school every day. This was impossible to do with a family member who required 24/7 care. Get your facts straight! If you doubt the story check with your Marist coaches who I believe attended the funeral. If Tate had been “shown the door” I don’t believe Marist would have given him an “OPEN INVITATION BACK” ANYTIME…do you? Also, in regards to his GRADES, Tate is an A student at Cartersville and seems to be doing very well. I’m sure you are a proud Marist parent/alum, etc. - you should be, but don’t make the mistake of cutting down Cartersville, it’s academics or the students that attend there.
For God sake Man, be happy for this kid he has truly came a long way - a single parent family, a good kid, well respected and HIGHLY thought of in our community. We here in Cartersville don’t take kindly to things being said about our own - especially WHEN THEY ARE NOT TRUE! Dr. John

By brother boo gee

July 19, 2008 11:35 PM | Link to this

His grades might not have been the best at Marist but i don’t think he cares about grades with a PRO Contract at stake. Along as he can spell and sign his name thats all he is worried about. Its more important to hit and run than pass Algebra at Marist. Alot of pro players aren’t the best students but who cares. Maybe you Marist alumni’s can apply to become his CPA after he signs a contract.

Good Luck BRO Boogie

By Great Comeback Heart Doc

July 19, 2008 11:41 PM | Link to this

to By Realist

What an embarassment your post is to yourself and Marist. Where did you get all the p** and vinegar? Maybe they should show you the door or maybe they did!

Great job Donovan! Good luck whatever you choose. Give your mom a hug.

Go Dawgs!

By you said it best!

July 19, 2008 11:47 PM | Link to this

Amen brother ! Sounds like those Marist folk are just a little upset that they are not able to claim this one. Too bad all the credit will be for the CANES! Best of luck Donovan!!!!!! Seriously, we are ALL PROUD of the fine young man you have grown into and we wish you all the best. Now if you change your mind you know you can always come right on over to Athens! GO DAWGS!

By Alumni08

July 19, 2008 11:54 PM | Link to this

I have seen Donavan walking in the halls and I have heard all of the hype about him. I never got the chance to become friends with him while I was at school, but I know he is a great kid. The only thing is he has so many people on his back about football. The guy got put in a position in the stadium that most of the school knew he didn’t want to play, but he did it because his coach told him to. Those of us who wander the halls and get to talk to the faculty and staff that know Donavan learned he would rather play baseball. He is great at any sport he trys. It’s time for him to make his own decision without people breathing down his neck to be like his dad. Donavan you will make C-ville proud no matter what you choose so follow your heart and do what you love. You are a great student, athlete, and person. Best of luck to the Class of ‘09! ~’08 C-ville alumni

By CONGRATS DONAVAN

July 20, 2008 12:01 AM | Link to this

For all the hard work you have done to get to this point, for all the sacrifices it takes to get to where you are and for all the great things to come:

CONGRATULATIONS DONAVAN TATE!

Enjoy every minute and do not allow sour people to rain on your parade!

By bigtimesport

July 20, 2008 12:06 AM | Link to this

WOW. First you and then Tanner B. of Landmark are going the baseball route. Football in this state is slowly dying. Good luck to you and Tanner.

By kmart

July 20, 2008 12:23 AM | Link to this

baseball is the clear choice here

the signing bonuses for first round picks are huge, and since he’s on team usa already, he’s much closer to millions in baseball than in college football

get yourself paid amigo and to the guy who said george lombard’s story was sad- are you kidding? he made it to the big dance and the mlb - much much better than playing for free in athens

By Paddy

July 20, 2008 7:10 AM | Link to this

If you love baseball go for it now. If you are a first rounder you won’t need a college degree to fall back on. Take good care of your $ and enjoy yourself.

By mike

July 20, 2008 7:29 AM | Link to this

It would have been helpful if you would included in this article what positions he plays in both baseball and football.

By Phil

July 20, 2008 7:35 AM | Link to this

I remember Lar’s playing for the dawg’s. He was excellent. Normally I would say The Great Bulldawg nation should come first but since we have Caleb in the starting isle go ahead,play baseball. Go purple Hurricanes! Beat Rome!

By Positions on both fields

July 20, 2008 8:20 AM | Link to this

for positions that Tate plays:

Football: QB and Safety

Baseball: Centerfield

By JC

July 20, 2008 8:38 AM | Link to this

Caleb? I thought RICHARD SAMUELS (from this same county as DONOVAN~Bartow) was actually ahead of him on the depth chart. This county is packed with talent. Richard is from CASS High as is TYLER CLINE who actually struck out Donovan three times in one game this year and was the 112th overall pick taken by the Reds. Look for big things to come from this kid also. GL

By Paula

July 20, 2008 9:02 AM | Link to this

Donovan,

Read the advise from Skydawg— he knows what he is talking about!

By Let the Big Dawg Read!

July 20, 2008 9:07 AM | Link to this

Curious about what his Dad is doing now? He only lasted 2 years with one of the worse teams in the NFL and then 1 year on the bench with the Bears. 3 years in all.

Donovan needs to worry about getting an education first, and if he is any good, things will work out.

By confused by the story here

July 20, 2008 9:19 AM | Link to this

So far I have read this kid is a chip off the old block, just like his great dad Lars. Then a few posts later I am to feel sorry for him as he grew up in a single parent home implying Lars was an absentee father.

So, is is Lars is a great dawg or was he a useless father or is a great dawg and a useless father the same thing?

By Headlines

July 20, 2008 10:41 AM | Link to this

NEWS FLASH ….. Baseball is for uneducated pussies ……

By Sam K.

July 20, 2008 10:43 AM | Link to this

One can certainly see Donovan’s dilemma. However, reality sets in when you consider the short term cash gain for a great 3 or 4 years at UGA. What could be better than being a stud football player in Athens. Then, after or close to a college degree carry that to the NFL. You will have memories that will be worth millons, as well as NFL millons.

By JackP

July 20, 2008 11:34 AM | Link to this

He knows that he probably can’t make it academically in college. Rather than flunking out and getting canned, he has decided to play baseball, which is a good idea. You jock sniffing football freaks can go cry in your beer.

By JackP

July 20, 2008 11:45 AM | Link to this

As I recall, Lars was a disciplinary problem while at UGA. He was in trouble several times at O’Malley’s and the police were involved. As usual Vince Dooley took no action except to protect Lars so he could play football. Tate’s conduct probably continued into the NFL but they finally dumped him.

By this is NOT about Lars

July 20, 2008 12:17 PM | Link to this

Funny how people naturally “assume” if you are a jock you are NOT smart enought to make it in college. Funny is right! I happen to work at Cartersville High School and personally know the academics of Donavan Tate. Let me assure you he could attend any school he would like. All you “jock watchers” know about the D1 offers, but are you aware of the offer from Stanford? I’d say that is pretty impressive within itself.
Also, I believe the article you all are commenting on was written about DONAVAN and NOT Lars Tate. The story was about DONAVAN and NOT about Lars. Who cares what Lars did to fail or succeed. This is a young man trying to make it and I know personally has worked hard and sacrified much of his high school years to get to where he is.
So, lay off him! Come on people - can you not be happy and share the glory with this young man? There’s always those who want to pull the negative, say bad things (that are not true) and bring someone down - for those people - You all ONLY CAN WISH YOU WERE IN THE POSITION THAT YOUNG TATE IS!
Great kid, Christian family and has a bright future ahead of him!
Congrats Donavan - just remember, the sky is the limit.
CHS Staff Member

By Tony

July 20, 2008 12:39 PM | Link to this

I had the same problem in High school sit on the bench in football or sit on the bench in baseball. The coaches fought over me but the footballcoach lsst the coin toss. I made a great tackling dummy

By Rob

July 20, 2008 12:52 PM | Link to this

Hey This is not about Lars who gives a rat’s a%$ if he’s a Christian or not. Are you implying only Christians are good people? Let’s leave religion out of this. This about football/baseball. I could care less what religion he belongs to.

By lisa

July 20, 2008 2:53 PM | Link to this

Hi Donovan:

Stay prayful with regard to your decision.

Try not to be swayed one way or the other soley (sp) by what you are hearing around you. As you listen to people offering their advice, look at who these people are, what they are to you and ask yourself what (if anything) are these people getting out of it. Bottom line, the decision is one that YOU are going to have to live with.

In all things, stay prayerful, write down and weigh the pros/con of each tentative decision in your life.

Young man, you are going to be ok!

By JABO

July 20, 2008 5:32 PM | Link to this

LARS never comes to any games at all. I think he made two this year and was either drunk or drugged up at both and was a real imbarassment to Donovan. As for a Christian family I don’t think so. I won’t comment any farther on that but I definitely wouldn’t say that it’s a Christian family.

By AGAIN...think about how Donavan will feel by what everyone is saying about his dad on here

July 20, 2008 9:32 PM | Link to this

Did any of the people who JUMPED on the “Christian” comment think that maybe the person who posted the comment was referring to DONAVAN (AKA…the one the article was written about)? After all, I believe the writer was talking about the future of DONAVAN TATE and NOT LARS TATE! And to the people who feel the need to embarrass this young man any more - my prayers go out to each of you! I do not believe Donavan is to be held accountable for what his father’s actions are! I know for a fact that DONAVAN AND HIS MOTHER ARE Christians, good people and well respected in the community. So, I am only hoping that each of you take the time and think about what you post before you actually do bash a 17 year olds father. Sad! I am just thankful that Donavan is in Canada and can only pray he is unable to view the comments that have been made here. Something that should be a joyous time in the young mans life has all of a sudden become ALL ABOUT HIS DAD. From what I hear - the exact reason he is hesitant about attending UGA or playing FB. From what I can tell he has broken out of the shadows of his father and is attempting to make it on his own, with his mothers guidance. Be respectful of Donavan. Who the H** cares what Lars Tate did/has done or will do. NEWS FLASH PEOPLE….THIS IS NOT ABOUT LARS TATE. Donavan is a great kid and the ones who are posting obviously DO NOT KNOW HIM AT ALL or else they would never say any of the degrading things they have. After all, this is the kids dad!

By ugadawg11

July 20, 2008 11:28 PM | Link to this

This reminds me of a song. Pay attention to the part in bold. You have only one chance to go to high school young man. Make the most of it. You have the rest of your life to focus on one thing. While you can, make the most out of life and don’t make a decision you will regret.

Don’t ride your bike off a ramp that’s more than three bricks high Don’t take that candy from the store if you ain’t got the dime Don’t pick a fight with a little guy that doesn’t talk that much Don’t pick up a cherrybomb thinkin’ it’s a dud And don’t sneak out of a 2 story house usin’ bed sheets for a rope Don’t ask me how I know

(Chorus:) Sell your truck while it’s still runnin’, save the Jesus off the dash Say a prayer when you feel like cussin’, save your money - pay with cash Forget your pride, buy the roses, if you’re sorry tell her so Don’t drink the water in Mexico Don’t ask me how I know

Don’t quit your high school football team halfway through the season Don’t bust your buddy in the nose when you know he didn’t mean it Don’t lose a girl you love at home for a night in Panama City Don’t rush off the phone when your Mama calls - you ain’t that busy Ya oughta make that drive to say goodbye to your grampa ‘fore he goes Don’t ask me how I know

(Chorus)

Forget your pride buy the roses, if you love her tell her so, Don’t go to Vegas with your heart broke, Don’t bum your cousin for that first smoke I’m tellin’ ya, don’t drink the water in Mexico Don’t ask me how I know Don’t ask me how I know I just know sell your truck while it’s still runnin’, say a prayer when you feel like cussin’ I know,

By bigeasy830

July 21, 2008 4:11 AM | Link to this

Some of you bloggers are so sad. Get a life a.

By One Who Has Been There

July 21, 2008 10:52 AM | Link to this

Right on CHS faculty member. You are totally correct. I too have taught Donovan. He works, succeeds, is humble, and polite. Marist? They lost him legitimately due to a family crisis. What Nobel or any other prize has Marist laid claim to. Arrogance maybe if the previous blogger speaks for the school. Shame on those spiiting venom toward a fine young man to assuage theirm own failure or might it be jealousy? Donovan, I am proud of you and what you stand for. Ignore the pessisments among us and strive on. Looking forward to seeing you in class this Fall.

By Todd Charske

July 21, 2008 11:12 PM | Link to this

Wow Big decision. Why in Hgih school though?

• Todd Charske

By Todd Charske

July 21, 2008 11:19 PM | Link to this

Sorry I meant High School.

• Todd Charske

By Another Staff Member at CHS

July 23, 2008 11:29 AM | Link to this

Donavan - We at CHS are PROUD OF YOU and all you have done. We know there are many more exciting things to come your way and cannot wait to hear/read/watch you move on to the next level. Keep being true to who you are and you will continue to go far in all you do. Just remember, anything worth something never comes easy. You’re a bright young man with a future that only some dream of! I am a staff member at CHS as well and have been for 20+ years, I have NEVER once heard anything negative about your behavior, attitude or anything else. Very respectful, humble where most would be the opposite, polite and very well thought of. Keep it up Donavan, we are ALL PROUD OF YOU ! CHS Staff Member

By canes397

July 23, 2008 7:36 PM | Link to this

Donavan, as a former CHS grad and football player I would be lying to say that I wouldn’t love to see you leading the Purple Hurricanes @ QB in 08 but the choice is yours and yours only. Just be sure that you really consider both sides and I know that you will suceed either way. Good Luck with the path you choose.Don’t worry about what the people from Marist or anyone else thinks. You were a Cane before you went to Marist and you will always be one. GATA.