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Newsstand: Notre Dame QB Sam Hartman discusses impact of NIL in the Irish locker room

Singer headshotby: Mike Singer02/06/24MikeTSinger

While at the Senior Bowl in Mobile, Ala., Notre Dame quarterback Sam Hartman spoke with On3’s Andy Staples about a number of topics, including readiness for the NFL, his journey as a collegiate quarterback and more.

One of the discussion points was NIL (name, image and likeness) and the affect that it had on the locker rooms at Wake Forest and Notre Dame. After all, Hartman was viewed as a top earner in NIL, considering he had deals with the likes of Dollar Shave Club, Homefield Apparel, Beats by Dre, Under Armour and Dove.

“It didn’t really change anything,” Hartman said. “I mean, it’s still the game. I know you probably hear horror stories or things about guys living differently and acting differently, I’m sure, in some places. But I think the great thing about both Wake and Notre Dame was the coaches and the locker room, especially, kept the game so clear.

“There wasn’t talks of money and talks of how much you’re making and how much you’re doing. It was all about the game, and it’s a great perk and it’s a great part that you can help, like we’re learning here, plan for your future and start earning and earning equity and investing and what not. But it’s still football, and I hope it tries to stay as much as it can because college football is a special place. It’s pure there, and as much as it can, try and keep it pure.”

To view the full video interview, click here to press play in the tweet below.

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“The 24-year-old Hartman’s age had evaluators somewhat divided,” Legwold said. “By the time Patrick Mahomes turned 25 — in September 2020 — he was a two-time Pro Bowler, a first-team All-Pro, an MVP winner and a Super Bowl champion. Hartman’s learning curve could be shorter than other prospects in this class, however, given that he started 57 games over five seasons at Wake Forest and one at Notre Dame.

“It’s unlikely Hartman would go undrafted given the need for quarterbacks among teams. But it’s possible he could have his choice of teams and a tidy signing bonus as an undrafted rookie.

“Hartman didn’t always look smooth in the Senior Bowl environment, especially on Tuesday, when he and the other quarterbacks on the American roster were out of sync. He also checked in at 6-foot-1 and 209 pounds, undersized for a player who was inclined to pull the ball down and run as much as he did. He had 11 rushing touchdowns for the Demon Deacons in 2021.”

— Jeff Legwold of ESPN on Sam Hartman after the Senior Bowl

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