Wake Forest quarterback Sam Hartman is out indefinitely with a “non-football related condition.”
Hartman, a three-year starter, sought medical attention after practice Tuesday, Wake Forest said, for an issue unrelated to that session and football in general. He was advised to step away from competition indefinitely.
“Tuesday was a frustrating day, but I am extremely grateful for our medical staff and for Dr. Chris Miles and Niles Fleet for staying with me throughout this process,” Hartman said in a statement released by the school. “I look forward to attacking this rehabilitation process and I am so appreciative of the support I have received from my family, teammates and coaches.”
Michael Kern, a fourth-year sophomore, will assume the starting quarterback role with Hartman away.
Hartman accounted for 4,228 yards and 50 total touchdowns last season, capping the year with a win over Rutgers in the Gator Bowl.
“Sam Hartman is the true embodiment of a leader and is one of the finest young men I have ever had the pleasure to coach,” coach Dave Clawson said. “Sam was intensely focused on the betterment of his teammates throughout the entire offseason and helping our program continue to achieve great things on the field. Additionally, he is an incredible person in the community and in the classroom. We'll look forward to having Sam back on the field as soon as he can, and in the meantime Sam and his family have the full support of our coaching staff and program in his recovery.”
Clawson and Wake Forest did not address the possibility of a redshirt season for Hartman, who has another year of eligibility remaining.
