Wake Forest Football: Jamie Newman transfer opens door for Sam Hartman

Jamie Newman surprised just about everyone on Tuesday when he announced his intention to transfer from the Wake Forest football program.

After losing the Pinstripe Bowl to Michigan State, Wake Forest felt as if the future was still bright after going 8-5. The Demon Deacons, not exactly known for football prowess, looked like a serious ACC contender during the season but a rough patch ruined all hope for a New Year’s Six and a real shot to hang with Clemson.

But returning in 2020 would be senior quarterback Jamie Newman who passed for 2,800 yards and 26 touchdowns. He also rushed for 574 yards and six more scores. He had a heck of a season and was only getting better.

And then he surprised everyone on New Year’s Eve, announcing his decision to enter the transfer portal.

Dave Clawson had to be as surprised as anyone, but the soon-to-be senior had to feel some pressure on his heels from talented sophomore Sam Hartman. The former star of QB1: Beyond the Lights — a docu-series on Netflix — played well as a true freshman before losing the battle this fall to Newman.

While he may not be the reason Newman has decided to transfer, this is the opportunity he needed to truly break out at Wake Forest.

As a freshman, Hartman passed for 1,984 yards and 16 touchdowns with eight picks and a 55 percent completion rate. He had 830 yards and four touchdowns with two picks this season while completing 57 percent of his throws and as long as he improves that accuracy, he will be one of the better quarterbacks in the ACC next season.

Newman’s departure hurts, but the Demon Deacons have the rare luxury of being deep at the quarterback position. A door just opened for Hartman, so will he deliver in 2020?