Sam Hartman trying to ‘soak in’ Notre Dame experience

The 2023 season will be the sixth for Notre Dame quarterback Sam Hartman. After beginning his career at Wake Forest and having success, Hartman has transfered to one of college football’s iconic brands. He made the decision with everyone assuming he would become the starter and give the Fighting Irish an upgrade.

Hartman understands how special playing quarterback at Notre Dame is. He is attempting to “soak in” the entire experience, even early in fall camp. Once the flood lights in South Bend come on, the moments will likely become sweeter for someone entering their final year in college football.

“It’s different, it’s special here,” Hartman said. “There is a lot of eyes which is pretty obvious at the point. You never really know until you’re out of it what it means to be in this position. As much as I can, trying to soak it in.

Dave Clausen runs a great program at Wake Forest, taking the Demon Deacons to heights they have never been at. When healthy, Hartman played a significant role throughout his five years. But something is just different when the opportunity to play for Notre Dame arises.

While Hartman soaks in the cool experience, he knows there is still on a ton of pressure. Not just for the future of his football career but also for Notre Dame. Head coach Marcus Freeman needs improvement in his second year in charge. Quarterback play is part of his plan to get more wins, meaning Hartman needs to go out there and peform.

“It’s a high-pressure, pivotal season for myself and more important than myself, to this team and this University,” Hartman said. “Just trying to take it in day by day.”

Notre Dame finished 8-4 during the regular season before taking down South Carolina in a bowl game to earn a ninth win. Preseason rankings are never a fantastic indicator but the Fighting Irish were a top five team heading into the year. An opening matchup against Ohio State had the attention of everybody across the country.

The loss was an acceptable one, with Ohio State making the College Football Playoff. However, losing to Marshall the following week and then Stanford in mid-October — with both games occuring at home — are not something Notre Dame wants to be doing.

Freeman is not on the hot seat but does need to give fans a reason to buy into the program. Getting Hartman off to a fast start could be exactly what the head coach needs.