At 5 feet 10 and 220 pounds, Hartmann had long been regarded as one of the top football prospects in the area. But because of his "lack of size," college coaches would make promises they have never kept.
With National Signing Day coming up Wednesday, not one school that listed Hartmann as a top player on its list early on has been able stick to its promise.
"It's frustrating to see a player as talented as Andy get overlooked by these schools," coach Byron Walker said. "What really confuses me is when they ask my opinion and I tell them about his ability, they appear not to comprehend a word I'm saying."
Walker has been working the phones and calling coaches who had originally felt Hartmann was one of the elite prospects in South Florida. Division I-A schools such as Connecticut, which talked about an offer early on, have been replaced by I-AA colleges such as Fordham and Southeast Missouri State, and Division III schools such as Union, which makes Walker believe there will be a number of schools completely missing out on one of the state's outstanding football players.
Hartmann has the speed, athletic ability and football skills to make an impact wherever he goes.
Walker and Hartmann believe that with the hurricanes this year, he was limited in his exposure to larger colleges. Games against state-rated teams such as Immokalee and Vero Beach were called off. While those two games could have further showcased his talents, Hartmann missed out. But he did get the chance to shine in the Miami-Dade/Broward All-Star game where he was the only player who had the chance to play on both sides of the ball.
"I thought that after that game, I would start to get calls," Hartmann said. "From last August until now, things have been a bit crazy, but I have so much faith in my ability that I know things will work out."