DAVIDSON, N.C. — When you’ve found the perfect fit, there’s really no use in waiting around, Davidson Day rising junior quarterback Sam Hartman determined.
The prolific passer committed to Wake Forest last month, becoming the first member of the Deacs 2018 class.
“I’m 100 percent to Wake,” said Hartman, who also had offers from Elon and Charlotte. “I loved Wake right away. I wanted to get solid football and a great education. There’s no other place out there like Wake that can provide great football and a great education — and it’s close.”
Davidson Day coach Chad Grier said Hartman has received interest from many other high-major schools, but that his commitment to the Deacs is firm.
“He didn’t make this commitment lightly. He wouldn’t have made that decision if he wasn’t sure it was a good fit at Wake Forest,” Grier said. “I think they see the same thing other coaching staffs are seeing. I had a coach from Penn State call me a week ago and told me he’s seen 100 2018 quarterbacks and Sam is the best he’s seen. Many are saying he’s the best ‘18 in the state. He’s only going to get better. He’s not out doing the camp and interview circuit. He’s just trying to get better. Without the hype, when you watch his throw, it’s like ‘wow.’”
After a summer visit, Hartman spoke with his family about his thoughts.
“Where would be a better fit for me? Where is the better place for me to get a quality education, play high level football in a system and program I feel really good about?” he asked his family
“That program checks his boxes, so why screw around with it?” Grier said.
While current Deac Cade Carney ran over Davidson Day opponents last season, helping to lead the Patriots to a NCSIAA Division 1 State Championship, Hartman “quietly” compiled 2,655 yards while throwing 24 touchdowns.
“He’s tremendously accurate for a kid that age last year. The tough throws for kids in high school, he excels at — on time, and anticipatory. He trusts his arm, his instincts and his vision. He’s a smart kid. His arm strength has gone through the roof — he can flat out zip it. Then add that accuracy,” Grier said about Hartman’s strengths. “I think his arm has gotten so strong, he thinks he can squeeze it in any hole. Anybody would be proud of some of the throws he’s making.
“He’s faster than he was last year. He’s quick and agile, and able to work out of the pocket and be an athlete. I’m not sure how much I want to run him. I don’t want to take a chance of getting that arm dinged up.”
Hartman and Grier agree that he’s just touching the surface of his potential.
“I just want him to continue to embrace the process and progress. He’s going to have times when he won’t feel like he’s on. I want him to continue to mature as a young man and continue to mature as a quarterback. By this time next year, it’ll be like having another coach on the field. I think Sam’s got that kind of potential. Sam is special,” Grier said. “He has all the attributes to be special, not only at this level, but the next level and maybe beyond. I see Sam as a Drew Brees kind of guy. He can flat spin it. He’s smart, anticipates throws. When you start seeing those type of things from a kid in the 10th or 11th grade — that’s not normal.”
“Working on size, weight, speed, accuracy and velocity. Just every facet I want to improve,” Hartman said when asked where he wants to improve. “I’m not in any place where I’m comfortable yet.”
As teammates started going through the paces of a workout moved indoors because of storms in the area, Hartman led the way — lining up first, and encouraging his teammates to finish each rep strong.
“Last year, he didn’t have to lead because we had such a strong senior class. Sam was just a sophomore and had never started a game before,” Grier said. “He was just trying to keep up. We knew he had arm talent, but he was an inch shorter, and 12-15 pounds lighter. He thought he could be good, but just didn’t know. He had a terrific season last year. That kids work ethic is just off the charts.
“He’s always led by example - great work ethic and he competes. He sets a high standard for himself and those around him. He’s figuring out how to be an effective leader — situationally aware of doing what’s required. To be a junior in high school, that’s pretty special.”
Hartman understands it’s up to him to set the tone, especially for the Davidson Day underclassmen.
“I always feel like people have told me I have a leadership quality about me. I just know Chad pushes me to be a leader here,” he said. “Now, I want to set the example for the freshmen and sophomores that are coming up, as they try to figure out if they want to buy in for the Davidson Day family. I want to lead by example, and give guys words of advice. I’d like to be a mentor to the younger guys, who are kind of wide-eyed.”
The Deacs have four scholarship quarterbacks on campus now, two committed in the 2017 class and now Hartman as a 2018 commit. The depth doesn’t faze Hartman in the least.
“I’ve looked, but even if I got up there and there’s a lot of guys — I love competition. Let the best man win,” he said. “They’re talking about redshirting me right now, which would be great. I want to graduate early and learn the offense so I can get up there my freshman year and really try to get out there and make a difference.”
For now, Hartman is focused on taking the Patriots to another state title, and helping build a great 2018 class for the Deacs.
“I’m talking to Chase (Monroe) a lot. There’s a lot of guys coming to me asking me what I see there. I really go to the parents and talk about the education — that gets the parents interested,” he said. “I’m going to be recruiting hard and trying to bring a big 2018 class with me.
“I’m work hard and I’m excited to win some ACC Championships.”
