Marcus Freeman: Notre Dame hit a 'home run' with Sam Hartman

Even before Tyler Buchner left South Bend for Alabama, Marcus Freeman knew Notre Dame needed to upgrade their quarterback. Drew Pyne spent most of the 2022 season as the starter due to a Buchner injury and struggled. If Freeman was going to build a contender in 2023, somebody talented was going to have to step into the program.

Sam Hartman emerged via Wake Forest, a move Freeman has called a “perfect fit.” Multiple boxes were checked by the Notre Dame staff when scouting Hartman. His ability on and off the field is what really stood out to Freeman and Co.

“Well, I think that’s one of the main points we made,” Freeman said. “When Sam Hartman got into the portal we said, ‘Hey, we are gonna look for the best quarterback available that can help us win, that fits our locker room, and fits our team and our university.’ Sam did that, number one, as a person.

“He was the type of person we needed in our locker room, but two, the ability to sell him on, ‘Hey, man, this is a pro-style type offense. This is something that will help you as you transition to the NFL, but also, you know, this is a program that’s going to compete for national championships. That’s our goal, and we want you a part of this thing.’ And so it was a perfect fit.”

Hartman was a multi-year starter at Wake Forest and was able to win games at a place not historically known for winning. Throwing for nearly 13,000 yards and 110 touchdowns and just 41 touchdowns does not hurt the cause. Putting up a good season in South Bend is the ultimate goal and Hartman is someone who has proved himself in the ACC.

But where the quarterback is excelling early at Notre Dame is with the leadership aspect. Freeman has been impressed with Hartman around his Fighting Irish teammates, proving the move was a “home run” for everyone involved.

“He’s done an unbelievable job of, one, coming in and, you know, everybody knows how accomplished he is but the ability for him to come in and be humble and gain the trust of his teammates,” Freeman said. “And then the leadership traits started to really exemplify and he makes those guys on offense better. He’s experienced but he’s super talented. And so, we hit a home run with Sam Hartman.”