ESPN backs Sam Hartman following impressive spring

Sam Hartman is the guy at Notre Dame after winning a quarterback battle during the spring period of the offseason. ESPN’s David Hale easily saw why and it led to Tyler Buchner’s transfer to Alabama.

Hartman came into Notre Dame for his final year of eligibility after a tremendous career at Wake Forest. From the get-go, it seemed Hartman would get a leg up despite Buchner’s previous experience at the school.

Hale is on board with the Hartman-Notre Dame train.

“Well, so much for that QB competition,” Hale wrote. “Hartman delivered in Notre Dame’s spring game, completing 13 of 16 passes for 189 yards and two touchdowns in a little less than a half. Freeman gushed over Hartman’s development when it was over, noting the slow start to spring was understandable for a guy who’d just arrived in South Bend. 

“But the version fans saw in the finale was what the team expected from the veteran QB. It was such an impressive performance, in fact, that Buchner opted to follow Rees to Tuscaloosa, announcing a transfer to Alabama on April 27. If Hartman’s late-spring performance wasn’t enough to quiet the doubters entirely, it at least served notice that he’s the clear-cut QB1 for the Irish, and his five years at Wake Forest have prepared him for a quick transition to his new home.”

In five seasons at Wake Forest, Hartman finished with 12,967 yards, 110 touchdowns, 41 interceptions and a 59.1% completion percentage. He led the Demon Deacons to the ACC Championship in 2021.

It’s been a seamless transition from Winston-Salem to South Bend. Hartman said the spring was big for him while learning all the little things within his new locker room.

“I think just understanding what the coaches want from me and what the guys are doing,” Hartman said. “I think you come in in the spring and you’re trying to learn people’s names. Learn what building you need to go to, what time you need to get to things. Where your locker is, what color loop you’re wearing. All that stuff. You take it for granted when you’re old in the program and now being a young guy.”

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Those around Notre Dame have made life much easier for the 23-year-old quarterback and, in doing so, are giving him the comfort to get hit the ground running to get ready for next season.