Hmmm NCAA says.................
The NCAA Rule book addressed roughing and running into the kicker under Rule 9 Section 1 ARTICLE 3. a.and provides:
When it is obvious that a scrimmage kick will be made, no opponent shall run into or rough the kicker or the holder of a place kick (A.R. 5-2-2-I and A.R. 9-1-3-I[Approved Ruling 9-1-3 I. A1 plans to punt from behind his line of scrimmage but misses the ball, after which he is contacted by B1. RULING: Team A fumble. There is no kicker until the ball is actually kicked, and B1 therefore is not guilty of roughing the kicker.], III [III. A1, from a nonscrimmage kick formation, makes a quick, unexpected kick so suddenly that B1 cannot avoid contact. RULING: This is not roughing or running into the kicker since the rule applies only when it is reasonably obvious that a kick will be made.] and VI[VI. Kicker A1, in a scrimmage kick formation, moves laterally two or three steps to recover a faulty snap, or recovers a snap that went over his head and then kicks the ball. He is contacted by B2 in an unsuccessful attempt to block the kick. RULING: A1 does not automatically lose his protection in either case. A1 is entitled to protection as in any other kicking situation. When it becomes obvious that A1 intends to kick (in a normal punting position),
defensive players must avoid him.]).