Notre Dame football: Sam Hartman a Heisman frontrunner

One of Notre Dame football’s newest transfer additions, Sam Hartman, is among the frontrunners to be the Heisman trophy winner. Betonline has Hartman tied for the 4th best odds at +1200 heading into next season.

Entering his 6th season and first for the Fighting Irish, the expectations are enormous for the former Wake Forest quarterback. With what is perceived as a better run game, including an improved offensive line, Hartman should have all the tools necessary to elevate his and Notre Dame’s play. While it’s easier said than done, having a weaker schedule to kick the season off could help benefit all parties.

There will be some stiff competition next year, as reigning Heisman winner Caleb Williams and star freshman turned sophomore Drake Maye lead the current conversation. The season is still far away, but it’s never too early to start considering awards.

One thing that Sam will need to do rather quickly is build rapport with the wide receivers group and find a favorite target. At 1,096 total receiving yards, Wake Forest star A.T. Perry had 454 more yards than the next receiver on the roster. The closest in total receptions was 34 away from Perry’s total of 81.

Michael Mayer, the leading receiver for Notre Dame football last year, will be headed to the NFL. Either way, whoever takes over at quarterback next year would need to find massive production elsewhere. However, with veteran receiver Kaleb Smith offering Hartman a sizable target and plenty of young options ready to break out, the receiving corps shouldn’t be a problem.

Whether he ends up truly in the running for the Heisman Trophy remains to be seen. Regardless, Sam Hartman will have every opportunity to win the award for the first Irish player since Tim Brown in 1987. The last player to be a contender for the trophy was Manti Te’o in 2012.