The short-lived Donavan Tate saga is over at UNC.

Tate, the third overall pick in the MLB Draft, left UNC on Wednesday and is expected to reach a deal with the San Diego Padres.

CHAPEL HILL — With nine starters back on defense, UNC coach Butch Davis expected the defense to be ahead of the offense, which is trying to break in two new linemen and a new set of receivers.

The defense hasn't let Davis down after the first five days of practice.

As scheduled, freshman Donavan Tate arrived at UNC on Saturday and has been attending meetings but is not participating in practice, a school spokesman said.

Tate was the third overall pick in the Major League Baseball draft in June and has until Aug. 17 to negotiate a contract with the San Diego Padres.

• Donavan Tate was not at practice on Friday but he is expected to be on campus on Saturday.

Tate, the third overall pick in the Major League Baseball Draft, has until Aug. 17 to negotiate a deal with the San Diego Padres. He can practice with UNC without affecting his immediate two-sport future.

"We're hopeful it works out," UNC coach Butch Davis said. "[But] I have no idea."

CHAPEL HILL — North Carolina coach Butch Davis didn't have many tense moments agonizing beside the fax machine during Wednesday's Signing Day.

Except for waiting for the paperwork from incoming quarterback/baseball player Donavan Tate.

Tate had told UNC's coaches he would send his signed letter of intent by 7:30 a.m.