Sam Hartman Scouting Report: Sam Hartman NFL Draft Profile
Quarterback, Wake Forest Demon Deacons #10
Sam Hartman Measurements
6’1” / 208 lbs
40 Time: TBD
Sam Hartman NFL Draft Player Profile
Splitting time between Davidson Day and Oceanside Collegiate, Hartman was a consensus 3-star recruit. He was rated as the #12 pro style passer by 247Sports. In his two seasons at Davidson Day, Sam would throw for 6,388 yards with 69 touchdowns and only 10 interceptions. He would also lead the Patriots to a state championship. As a senior at Oceanside Collegiate, Hartman would throw for 3,093 yards with 29 passing touchdowns and another nine touchdowns rushing. He would go on to play in the Shrine Bowl of the Carolinas All-Star game. Sam would throw for two touchdowns and earn the game MVP award.
In 2018. Hartman would start the first nine games of the season before suffering a broken leg against Syracuse. During that time, he was still able to set numerous school records for a true freshman. As well as being the first true freshman to win a season opener, Sam’s other records included:
- 200+ yard passing games (7)
- Wins (4)
- Total offense in a game (442 yards)
- 300+ total yard games (2)
- Passing touchdowns in a season (16)
- Total offensive yards in a season (2,259 yards)
2019 and Beyond
2019 saw Hartman earning a redshirt while playing limited time in four games. During that time he would finish with 830 yards, four touchdowns, and two interceptions. 2020 would see Sam returning to the starting role, as he started all nine of the Deacons games. During the season Hartman would have a streak of 258 passes without throwing an interception. He would also become just the 12th player in Wake Forest history to surpass 4,000 yards passing in their career. His 2,224 yards would be good enough for 28th in the nation, and help earn a Johnny Unitas Golden Arm watch list nomination.
Before the 2021 season, Sam would be named a team captain for the second year in a row. He would also find himself on the Maxwell Award watch list, Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Top 25, and Davey O’Brien midseason watch list. His 2,873 passing yards (good for 8th in the nation) has helped the Demon Deacons to an 8-1 start. Wake Forest is currently sitting 1st in the ACC Atlantic division after the first 8-0 start in program history.
Sam Hartman Strengths
Poise
While Sam has the athletic ability to scramble and make plays with his legs, he’s still a pocket passer. While he’s in the pocket you see him show really good poise. He’s not looking to escape at the earliest sign of pressure. He stands in and is even willing to take a shot in order to get the pass off. But it also comes through in Wake Forest’s running attack. If you haven’t watched any of their games yet, I recommend you do.
The Demon Deacons run this slow mesh RPO style where Hartman and the running back slowly move towards the line of scrimmage while he reads the defense. This is where he again shows that poise by not rushing the reads. The slower reads allows for the defenders to come crashing in, but Sam doesn’t flinch. He also ends up closer to the line of scrimmage during the read. So the times that he pulls the ball to pass he often has a defensive lineman in his face. This still doesn’t faze him, and he is able to deliver the ball to the receivers.
Toughness
Hartman isn’t a big guy, but that doesn’t mean he shies away from contact. I already mentioned that he’s willing to stand in the pocket and take a hit in order to deliver a pass. But you also see him willing to get out in front of his running backs and try to throw blocks. If he ends up taking off to run on a play, Sam isn’t afraid to lower his shoulder in order to pick up that extra yard.
Sam Hartman Weaknesses
Arm Strength
Sam can stretch the field to a certain extent and even put a little zip on the ball as well. However, don’t expect him to throw a 60 yard Hail Mary at the end of a game. Also, it seemed to me that the passes that he tried to add a little extra to were the ones most off target. Often these passes would miss targets high, or he would throw the ball into the ground. Instead, Hartman was at his best when he throws the ball with touch rather than power.
Sam Hartman Draft Stock
Hartman wasn’t a name that I heard anything about before the season started. Even now, after an 8-1 start that saw the Deacons earn a top 10 ranking, you still don’t hear that much about him. Heck, in Mel Kiper’s most recent big board Sam isn’t even listed as one of his top 10 quarterbacks.
Final Thoughts on Sam Hartman NFL Draft Profile
Sam Hartman isn’t going to blow you away with his physical gifts. He can move well enough to extend plays and even pick up some yards with his legs if needed. Also, he’s not going to be throwing bombs downfield constantly. So when you compare him to some of the arm talent at the top of the 2022 quarterback class, like Matt Corral, he can get lost in the shuffle. Still, there’s a lot to like about Hartman’s game. His poise and ability to navigate the pocket are top notch. When he throws with touch, his ball placement is really good.
The big question is whether or not he’ll declare for the 2022 NFL Draft. Due to a redshirt season and the NCAA rule from 2020 allowing for an extra year of eligibility for players, he still technically has another two years of eligibility left. Still, he’s been at Wake Forest for four years, and should be eligible to graduate this season. I think if he decides to declare, he would jump up most people’s big boards. Currently, I would feel comfortable spending a second day pick on him.
Pro Comparison: Drew Brees
Now I have to calm everyone down. Remember this is just a comparison of ability. I’m not saying that Hartman is going to be a NFL Hall of Fame quarterback. Both have a similar build, with Hartman at least being listed as slightly taller. Their arm strength is comparable as well, in my opinion. Hartman will need to get by much like Brees did during his stellar NFL career. Reading the defense and throwing the ball with touch rather than power.
Sam Hartman Draft Prospect Report / Scouting Report by Brandon Claburn
