The United Football League held its college draft on Wednesday, as 80 players were selected over 10 rounds by the league’s eight teams. One confusing aspect of the draft: a lot of players who were chosen are also currently on NFL rosters.
More news: Commanders Head Coach Non-Committal About Naming Jayden Daniels Starting Quarterback
The idea behind the UFL draft being able to draft college players is those young rookies who may not make the 53-man rosters of their respective NFL teams could then try their hand at playing in the UFL to garner much-needed experience. One such player: Washington Commanders rookie quarterback Sam Hartman.
#Commanders rookie QB Sam Hartman was drafted in the 9th round by the Birmingham Stallions during today’s UFL Draft.
If Hartman doesn’t secure a spot on the 53-man roster or the practice squad, he could play in the spring for Birmingham, who now hold his UFL rights. pic.twitter.com/EBDzG6wtMl
— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) July 17, 2024
According to Ari Meirov, Hartman was taken by the Birmingham Stallions in the ninth round of the draft. Though Hartman was signed as an undrafted free agent by the Commanders, the chances of him making the 53-man roster could be slim.
The Commanders currently have LSU’s Jayden Daniels, Marcus Mariota, and Jeff Driskel on the roster. It’s highly unusual for teams to roster four quarterbacks. Hartman could pursue success in the UFL unless Washington plans to use him on their practice squad.
Scott Taetsch/Getty Images
Hartman began his collegiate career in 2018 with for Wake Forest. In his rookie season, Hartman secured 1,984 yards, 16 touchdowns, eight interceptions, and rushed for 275 yards and two touchdowns.
Through his five years at Wake Forest, Hartman logged 12,967 yards, 110 touchdowns, 41 interceptions, 855 rushing yards, and 17 rushing touchdowns. He would be named second team All-ACC in 2021 and third team All-ACC in 2022.
Hartman would eventually transfer to Notre Dame, where he played in 2023. He would end his collegiate career amassing 2,689 yards, 24 touchdowns, and eight interceptions, along with 123 rushing yards and three rushing touchdowns.
The Commanders’ most important rookie quarterback is Daniels, who the team selected No. 2 overall in the 2024 Draft. The reigning Heisman Trophy winner is likely to win the starting job, even though the Commanders are not stating he’s their starter yet.
Hartman could shock the NFL and Commanders by having a fantastic training camp and preseason, but that would only elevate his status on the depth chart for the team. He would unlikely be able to win the starting job over Daniels unless the LSU product has a disastrous showing.
For now, Hartman would presumably be heading to Birmingham when the offseason wraps up for the Commanders, as the Stallions now own the rights to the young rookie.
Uncommon Knowledge
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Newsweek is committed to challenging conventional wisdom and finding connections in the search for common ground.