Marcus Freeman: Can foresee Irish QB competition going into fall camp

SOUTH BEND, Ind. -- When Notre Dame added record-setting transfer Sam Hartman in January, the team seemingly had found its quarterback for a potential College Football Playoff push.

But Hartman's path to the starting job is far from guaranteed because of several factors, namely an improving challenger in Tyler Buchner. Notre Dame is not expecting to name a starter during spring practice, which concludes April 22, and could see Hartman and Buchner compete well into fall camp.

"The longer you can have a competition, the better, as long as it's making each other better," Notre Dame coach Marcus Freeman told ESPN. "You want to keep it going as long as you can. We won't name a starter until we believe there's a clear-cut starter. Right now, it's a great competition, and I can foresee this going into the fall."

Hartman was the biggest prize in the winter's quarterback transfer market after setting ACC records for career touchdown passes (110) and 300-yard passing games (21), while finishing second in league history in passing yards (12,967). But he operated a distinct offense at Wake Forest based around fast tempo, no huddles and run-pass-option concepts. Hartman won 27 games and set all of Wake Forest's major passing records.

At Notre Dame, Hartman is adjusting to a pro-style offense that features huddles and snaps from under center. He transferred before Irish offensive coordinator Tommy Rees left for Alabama. After considering several external candidates, Freeman promoted tight ends coach Gerad Parker to offensive coordinator and hired Gino Guidugli from Wisconsin to coach quarterbacks.

"You say, 'Woe is me, this isn't what I came for,' and early, you say that to yourself," Hartman told ESPN. "But