There was a lot of smoke around Wake Forest QB Sam Hartman transferring to Notre Dame for next season. Hartman was a key contributor to Wake Forest’s potent vertical passing game. ND currently starts dual-threat QB Tyler Buchner. Let’s look at what each brings to the table for Irish offensive Coordinator Tommy Rees.
Sam Hartman can open things up downfield
Hartman would bring a familiarity with the Rees family from Tommy’s Father Bill’s time at Wake Forest. On the field, he brings five years of experience in the four verticals offense, a passing concept that Tommy Rees ran at ND himself as a QB.
Four verticals is the idea that the receivers on each pass play start their routes up the field. At a depth that the coaches, quarterback, and receiver agree upon, the receiver can “Break-Off” or change his route based on how the defensive back is playing. It is crucial that the quarterback and receivers are on the same page in the four verticals passing structure. If either sees a different coverage the QB will be throwing a different route than the receiver is running which could result in an interception.
Hartman will need great pass protection because he is a pocket passer and will have a lot of coverages to read downfield.
Tyler Buchner is a dual-threat QB
Entering last season Tyler Buchner won a QB competition with since transferred QB Drew Pyne. Tyler got injured and came back for the Irish’s Gator Bowl win vs South Carolina.
Tyler brings a dual threat to the field at the QB position, meaning he can make big plays with both his arm and his legs depending on the defensive coverage. A dual-threat quarterback can really take control out of an offensive coordinator’s hands because open passes often turn into QB runs and vice versa.
Buchner had his ups and downs in the Gator Bowl throwing three touchdowns including the game-winner and three interceptions while running for two more touchdowns.
Explosive Offenses at the top
College Football Playoff teams have offenses that score over 40 points a game. Notre Dame averages 31.8 points per game. To reach its goals ND has to become more productive on offense. With very good skill position players returning at running back and wide receiver this is a big decision that Head Coach Marcus Freeman and Offensive Coordinator Tommy Rees have to make, it will set the tone for Year 2 of the Freeman Era.
Final Thoughts
Sam Hartman would bring back the vertical pocket passing offense that Tommy Rees is very familiar with coaching and has run himself. The Irish have receivers and tight ends on the roster who were recruited to run that passing offense. They have just finished recruiting a great group of receivers that will fit it well. Sam Hartman might be the safe choice.
On the other hand, Tyler Buchner brings an exciting energy to the game. Makes big plays and makes big mistakes. He makes a defense prepare for a lot and simplify their gameplan. He has three years of eligibility left and is only beginning to show us what he has to offer. Whether Marcus Freeman and Tommy Rees choose Sam or Tyler 2023 promises to be a exciting season!
