Wake Forest redshirt junior QB Sam Hartman has been sidelined following an evaluation after practice on Tuesday, Aug. 9. Hartman, who landed on many college football award watch lists, ranks second on Wake Forest’s all-time passing yards record book. He was expected to lead the Demon Deacons into the season with a veteran offense and one of the top offensive attacks in the country. His absence dramatically shifts not only Wake Forest’s season projection but the entire ACC as a conference.
Wake Forest QB Sam Hartman out indefinitely
Following a practice session on Tuesday, Hartman underwent a medical evaluation for a non-football-related condition, Wake Forest announced on Wednesday morning. Hartman underwent the evaluation at Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center, as the school’s statement indicated:
“Following a workout on Tuesday, Aug. 9, redshirt junior quarterback Sam Hartman sought medical attention for a non-football-related condition. The results of those tests and subsequent treatment will remove Sam from team activities indefinitely. The timeline for his return to competition is uncertain. In respect for Sam’s privacy and in compliance with HIPAA, no additional details will be shared at this time. Wake Forest Athletics medical and athletics training staff are providing Sam and his family with constant support. More updates will be shared when appropriate.
“Wake Forest Athletics encourages well-wishers to send notes of support to Sam and his family via email at wfsports@wfu.edu.”
Following the news, Wake Forest also offered statements from head coach Dave Clawson, athletic director John Currie, and Hartman himself. Hartman thanked the medical providers and staff for sticking with him “throughout this process” and extended his promise to attack his rehab.
“Tuesday was a frustrating day, but I am extremely grateful for our medical staff and for Dr. Chris Miles and Niles Fleet for staying with me throughout this process. I look forward to attacking this rehabilitation process and I am so appreciative of the support I have received from my family, teammates and coaches.”
Despite the team’s announcement regarding an indefinite absence, Clawson’s statement indicated that we would see Hartman back on the field at some point in 2022. He reiterated that after the news broke on Wednesday while also stating the team’s new starting quarterback will be Mitch Griffis, a redshirt freshman from Broad Run High School in Northern Virginia.
In his statement, Clawson spoke on the leadership qualities Hartman provides:
“Sam Hartman is the true embodiment of a leader and is one of the finest young men I have ever had the pleasure to coach. As a two-time captain and coming off record-setting seasons in 2020 and 2021, Sam was intensely-focused on the betterment of his teammates throughout the entire offseason and helping our program continue to achieve great things on the field.
“Additionally, he is an incredible person in the community and in the classroom. We’ll look forward to having Sam back on the field as soon as he can and in the meantime Sam and his family have the full support of our coaching staff and program in his recovery.”
Among Hartman’s illustrious career highlights, he is the only Wake Forest quarterback to throw for four-plus touchdowns in a game at least three times. His interception streak was also a sight to see as he set the Wake Forest record for most pass attempts without an interception (258) during the 2019 season. That was also the fifth-longest in ACC history.
Hartman, a valued leader of the Demon Deacs, landed on the Maxwell Award, Walter Camp, and Davey O’Brien Award watch lists this preseason. He was named to the Pro Football Network All-ACC Team as an honorable mention indicating the wealth of talent at the quarterback position in the conference.