Wake Forest will be without quarterback Sam Hartman for “an extended period” due to a non-football issue, the school said Wednesday.
After Tuesday’s practice, Hartman saw a doctor for an illness unrelated to football, according to the school. Status details have been withheld due to privacy restrictions. Medical personnel conducted tests on Hartman and ruled that he should be banned from competition indefinitely.
“Tuesday was a frustrating day but I am grateful to our medical staff and Dr. Very grateful to Chris Miles and Niles Fleet for staying with me through this process,” Hartman said in a statement released by the school. “I’m looking forward to embarking on this rehabilitation process and I’m so grateful for the support I’ve received from my family, teammates and coaches.”
Hartman, a three-year starter, led Wake to the ACC Atlantic Division title and a Gator Bowl victory over Rutgers last season, throwing for 4,228 yards and a total of 50 touchdowns.
Hartman started 2018 as a freshman for Wake before suffering a late-season injury. Jamie Newman was on offense at the time and held the job for much of 2019. Hartman regained the starting job in 2020 and has had 65 touchdowns in 23 games since then.
“Sam Hartman is the true embodiment of a leader and one of the finest young men I’ve ever had to train,” said coach Dave Clawson. “Sam had an intense focus throughout the offseason on improving his teammates and helping our program continue to achieve great things on the field. Also, he is an incredible person in the community and in the classroom. We look forward to Sam being back on the field as soon as possible and in the meantime, Sam and his family have the full support of our coaching staff and program in his recovery.”
With Hartman out, Michael Kern is expected to take over at quarterback in the fourth year. Kern appeared in just three games last season, completing 2 of 5 passes for 67 yards.
Hartman has one more year of eligibility left, and while he’s repeatedly said it’s unlikely he’ll return for 2023, he left the door open in case unforeseen circumstances occurred.
“My goals are set,” Hartman said in July. “Now worrying about it, what’s the point? It might be the best option…but I’m excited and ready for the next chapter and really stuck this year.”