Marcus Freeman: Sam Hartman has 'exceeded everything' he expected ahead of season opener vs. Navy

It’s been a long time since Notre Dame fans learned Sam Hartman would be their quarterback. Saturday, he made his debut as the Fighting Irish took the field against Navy in Dublin, Ireland.

The hype has been building all offseason for the ACC’s all-time leading touchdown passer to take over the offense. For Marcus Freeman, Hartman blew away all expectations he had for him.

“He’s exceeded everything, I’ve thought,” Freeman told Zora Stephenson on the NBC broadcast just prior to kickoff. “He’s been unbelievable leader, unbelievable teammate. I’m really happy for him to go out here and compete today.”

Having a quarterback of Hartman’s caliber under center is just one of the differences this offseason for Freeman, who’s in his second year as Notre Dame head coach. Last year was about getting his feet wet as he took over a college program for the first time.

This time around, he had a year to work out some of the kinks and implement the culture he wants to build in South Bend.

“I think the experience for some of us — including the head coach,” Freeman said. “I think this team, man, has truly had a full year to come together and become a true brotherhood. We’re excited to get kicked off here.”

Marcus Freeman: Playing in Ireland ‘shows the global, true impact that Notre Dame has’

Saturday’s game marks the third time Notre Dame and Navy have played in Ireland. The game was supposed to be played in 2020, but the COVID-19 pandemic got in the way and kicked the game three years down the road.

The Fighting Irish faithful were out in full force in Dublin, filling up the pubs all week as the anticipation grew. Freeman said the fact that so many fans made the trip spoke to just how much Notre Dame means to people around the world, which makes it even more special.

“It shows the global, true impact that Notre Dame has,” Freeman said. “To see these fans here in Dublin, Ireland, to be a part of this great country and this great city is really exciting.”

Saturday marked the 96th meeting between Notre Dame and Navy, and the first of a new era for the Midshipmen. Brian Newberry is now in as head coach after the program parted ways with Ken Niumatalolo, and it adds to the intrigue of the first game of the college football season.