Winston-Salem, North Carolina - Sam Hartman, the star quarterback for Wake Forest football, has stepped down from his team duties after seeking medical help.

Wake Forest's starting quarterback will be out for "an extended period of time" due to "a non-football-related condition," the school announced Wednesday morning.

Hartman, a fifth-year junior, sought medical attention after a team practice on Tuesday. After the examination, subsequent testing results determined his indefinite leave from the team.

"Tuesday was a frustrating day, but I am extremely grateful for our medical staff and for Dr. Chris Miles and Niles Fleet for staying with me throughout this process," Hartman said in a statement.

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"I look forward to attacking this rehabilitation process and I am so appreciative of the support I have received from my family, teammates and coaches."

A three-year starter, Hartman led the Demon Deacons to the ACC Atlantic Division title last season and a Gator Bowl win over Rutgers.

The talented quarterback threw a school-record of 4,228 yards and 50 total touchdowns. Hartman ran 11 touchdowns and earned second team All-ACC honors, while the program matched the school record for the most wins in a single season.

"Sam Hartman is the true embodiment of a leader and is one of the finest young men I have ever had the pleasure to coach," head coach Dave Clawson said of Hartman's character.

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"As a two-time captain and coming off record-setting seasons in 2020 and 2021, Sam was intensely-focused on the betterment of his teammates throughout the entire offseason and helping our program continue to achieve great things on the field.

"Additionally, he is an incredible person in the community and in the classroom. We'll look forward to having Sam back on the field as soon as he can and in the meantime, Sam and his family have the full support of our coaching staff and program in his recovery."

With Hartman now on the sideline, sophomore Mitch Griffis will be the interim starting quarterback. Griffis stands as the most recent Wake Forest QB to throw a touchdown aside from Hartman - which came in the 2020 season opener against Clemson.

While it is unlikely for Hartman to return in 2023 as a current fifth-year junior, the athlete still has another year of eligibility remaining.