Sam Hartman: From Record-Setting College QB to Gritty NFL Prospect
Early Roots and High School Stardom
Born on July 29, 1999, in Charlotte, North Carolina, Sam Hartman showed promise early. At Davidson Day School, he threw for over 6,300 yards and 69 touchdowns as just a sophomore and junior, earning first-team all-state honors and multiple Player of the Week distinctions before moving to Oceanside Collegiate Academy for his senior year .
Record-Breaking Wake Forest Career
Hartman’s college career at Wake Forest was nothing short of legendary. Over five seasons (2018–2022), he became the school’s all-time leader in passing yards and touchdowns and the ACC’s all-time passing touchdowns leader, finishing with 12,967 yards and 110 passing TDs .
He capped his Wake Forest journey with an MVP-worthy performance in the Gasparilla Bowl and earned multiple accolades, including All-ACC honors, Brian Piccolo Award, and recognition as a finalist for both the Manning Award and Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award .
A Season at Notre Dame & Pro-Style Development
In 2023, Hartman transferred to Notre Dame, embracing a pro-style offense that would prepare him for the next level. He thrived in the system—completing 63.5% of his passes for 2,689 yards, tallying 24 passing touchdowns and 3 rushing scores .
His senior year also saw him stepping into a leadership role—nicknamed the locker room “grandpa,” he shared his experience and maturity with younger teammates . A minor viral moment came when he shaved off his signature beard, much to fans’ surprise .
Journey to the NFL: Undrafted but Unflappable
Despite an impressive collegiate resume, Hartman went undrafted in 2024 but quickly found a path forward with the Washington Commanders as a free agent . He signed a reserve/future contract in early 2025, proving his perseverance and readiness .
Preseason and Pro Potential
In the 2025 preseason, Hartman got a glimpse of NFL action. In a game against the Patriots, he completed 9 of 19 passes, totaling 64 yards, with one interception and a single rushing attempt for 6 yards .
The Support Behind the Player
Hartman’s career is grounded in strong family support. His parents, Lisa and Mark Hartman, played vital roles—his father a former college football player turned surgeon, his mother a devoted advocate for mental health. They helped him through challenging times, including serious medical issues, and shaped his resilience . The family endured the profound loss of their adopted son, Demitri, which Hartman still honors, carrying Demitri’s initials “D.A.” on his wristband and wearing his number 10 .
Summary: Hartman’s Legacy and Path Forward
| Aspect | Highlight |
|---|---|
| Early Talent | High school success with exceptional stats |
| Wake Forest Glory | All-time leader in passing, ACC touchdowns record |
| Notre Dame Transition | Developed pro-style readiness and leadership |
| NFL Journey | Undrafted but signed with Commanders; preseason experience |
| Strong Foundation | Backed by supportive family and personal resilience |
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