They 'only dated' - Wake coach sneers at Irish's Hartman honor - ESPN

Wake Forest coach Dave Clawson isn't exactly thrilled with the send-off his former quarterback is getting at Notre Dame.

Clawson's Demon Deacons played at Notre Dame on Saturday, where the Fighting Irish honored Sam Hartman during his final home game in South Bend. Clawson, however, wasn't so sure that moment warranted a celebration.

Notre Dame «only dated» Hartman, Clawson said Tuesday, noting that Wake Forest recruited and developed the quarterback over five seasons.

"[Notre Dame] bought him and rented him for a year, and now they love him?" Clawson said. «This is where college football is.»

Clawson's point is that Hartman left Wake Forest with a year of eligibility remaining to land a significant NIL deal at Notre Dame, mirroring a concern many smaller programs have about retaining top talent developed in-house.

Hartman played in parts of five seasons at Wake Forest, setting school records for passing yards, passing touchdowns and completions and leading the program to just its second ACC championship game appearance in 2021.

After the 2022 season, Hartman announced he was transferring to Notre Dame, where he has started 11 games this season, throwing for 22 touchdowns and rushing for three more. He threw for four touchdowns in a 45-7 win over Wake Forest last week.

Notre Dame played the song «I Will Always Love You» as Hartman exited the field after his final play.

«When that video played, it's just like, 'Holy cow, this is where college football is,'» Clawson said. «Sam and I had a great discussion before the game and after the game, and I love the young man. I really do. I don't blame him at all for what he did. That's the system now. For him to have the opportunity to have that experience, and make that type of