Notre Dame QB Sam Hartman spent a long time in college, hoping for his chance to play in the NFL.
Where did Hartman come from? And how did he end up as a prospect likely to be selected in the 2024 NFL Draft?
Where Did Sam Hartman’s Football Career Start?
Hartman attended Davidson Day School in Davidson, N.C. He spent three years there and was quite the prolific passer.
Over his sophomore and junior years, Hartman threw for 6,388 passing yards and 69 touchdowns. He was named first-team all-state after his junior year.
Ahead of his senior year, Hartman transferred to Oceanside Collegiate Academy, located in Mount Pleasant, S.C. He had the privilege of being included in the “QB1: Beyond the Lights” documentary series.
As a senior, Hartman’s team went 7-3. He threw for 3,093 yards and 29 touchdowns while adding nine scores on the ground.
Hartman was a three-star recruit and received offers from three schools, but two of them were FCS programs. Wake Forest was the only FBS school, and that’s where he chose to continue his playing career.
Revisiting Hartman’s College Career
Wake Forest
Hartman’s first collegiate season came in 2018, winning the starting job as a true freshman. Starting nine games in his first year prior to an injury, he threw for 1,984 yards, 16 touchdowns, and eight interceptions.
Ahead of his sophomore year, Hartman lost the starting job to Jamie Newman. While he did earn a couple of starts later in the year, Hartman wound up being limited to four games, allowing him to redshirt the year.
Hartman reclaimed the starting job in his junior year (redshirt sophomore). In a complicated season mired by the COVID-19 pandemic, he started in all nine of Wake Forest’s games, throwing for 2,224 yards, 13 touchdowns, and five interceptions.
When QBs and WRs both make great plays >>>>
Superb on-the-run throw from Sam Hartman, but also great hands and concentration by Jaquarii Roberson to haul it in!
— College Football Network (@CFN365) November 6, 2021
Things finally settled down for Hartman during his senior season in 2021. In 14 games, he threw for 4,228 yards, 39 touchdowns, and 14 interceptions. Hartman also blossomed as a runner, adding 366 yards and 11 touchdowns via the ground. He led Wake Forest to the ACC Championship Game, coming up short in a loss to Pitt.
Despite completing four years of college, Hartman chose to return for his redshirt senior year. In 12 games, he threw for 3,701 yards, 38 touchdowns, and 12 interceptions.
Hartman chose to exercise the extra year of eligibility afforded to every college athlete from the 2020 season and transferred to Notre Dame for a sixth collegiate season.
Notre Dame
Notre Dame’s offense wasn’t nearly as pass-heavy as Wake Forest’s. As a result, Hartman attempted just 25.1 passes per game. He finished 2023 with 2,689 passing yards, 24 touchdowns, and eight interceptions.
MORE: Top QBs in the 2024 NFL Draft
Hartman made significant strides in efficiency, though, completing a career-best 63.5% of his passes. Notre Dame went 9-3 in Hartman’s lone year as the starter.
After six collegiate seasons, Hartman declared for the 2024 NFL Draft.
Hartman’s Potential in the NFL
Hartman would do well to carve out a career in the NFL as a backup. Yet, he’ll be 25 years old by training camp, which really hurts him as a prospect.
Pro Football Network draft analyst Ian Cummings loves what Hartman brings in terms of experience, but doesn’t see starter potential.
MORE: Ian Cummings’ Full Scouting Report of Sam Hartman
“Hartman grades out as a late Day 3 or (priority free agent) prospect,” Cummings wrote. “He could slip into the undrafted free agent pool, but it’s also just as likely he’s selected in the late rounds for his appeal as an NFL backup. His lack of elite traits and advanced age locks him out of early-round range, but he has some desired qualities in a safety blanket.
“Hartman was a starting QB at the collegiate level for the better part of six years. His experience is something that distinguishes him, as is his production. His physical talent, however, is not. His arm is average at best, and while he’s an above-average creator, he’s not a dynamic rushing threat.
“Hartman’s age and lack of high-end physical traits will limit his range as a 2024 NFL Draft prospect, and he doesn’t quite have the requisite operational profile to compensate. But in the late Day 3 range, he could field an investment as a passer with long-term quality backup potential.”
Hartman’s Highlights, Records, and More
Despite not being a top prospect, Hartman’s longevity allowed him to rack up a bunch of records and personal accomplishments. He was the first true freshman to start Week 1 in Wake Forest history. He also had 12 consecutive completions in a game, tying a school record.
In 2021, Hartman was named second-team All-ACC. His 39 touchdown passes and 4,228 passing yards were both Wake Forest records. Hartman earned third-team All-ACC honors in 2022.
By the conclusion of his Wake Forest tenure, Hartman had a number of school records. He has the most passing attempts, completions, yards, and touchdowns in Demon Deacons history.
His 110 touchdown throws and 12,967 passing yards were the most and second-most in ACC history, respectively. His 21 300-yard games passing are the most in ACC history, as well.
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