Dave Clawson gives more information on Sam Hartman's status, names frontrunner to start Week 1

Wake Forest coach Dave Clawson gave an update on quarterback Sam Hartman on Wednesday morning, shortly after the program announced that Hartman will be out indefinitely.

Clawson told reporters Hartman will return at some point. He added that Hartman had a procedure done on Tuesday night.

Dave Clawson says Sam Hartman underwent a procedure yesterday. Made it clear there's no time frame, but he will return.

Clawson said Mitch Griffis is No. 1 right now to start against VMI, Michael Kern will compete with him through fall camp.

— Conor O'Neill (@ConorONeill_DI) August 10, 2022

Clawson also said that Mitch Griffis is the frontrunner to start for Wake Forest in Week 1. Griffis is a redshirt freshman from Ashburn, Virginia. He redshirted last season and attempted only 2 passes over 4 games.

According to Deacons Illustrated’s Conor O’Neill, Hartman was at practice on Wednesday morning and appeared to be in good spirits.

To be clear: Sam Hartman is at practice today. Has looked to be, from afar, in good spirits — hanging around QBs, joking with some parents.

— Conor O'Neill (@ConorONeill_DI) August 10, 2022

If Hartman misses most of the season, it would be a significant loss for the Demon Deacons. Hartman led Wake Forest to just its second-ever 10+ win season in 2021. He threw for 4,228 yards and 39 touchdowns. He’s also a threat on the ground, as he rushed for 364 yards and 11 more scores on the ground.

Wake Forest opens the season with VMI on Sept. 1. Its first ACC game of the year will be against Clemson on Sept. 24. That’s also the first time the Demon Deacons are expected to face a ranked opponent in 2022.