“P.J. probably came out of spring time as the guy who probably had the most improvement in terms of his consistency,” Haering said. “He’s always had a big leg, but I think he was a lot more consistent in the spring. He’s been in this program and done some kickoffs on Saturdays, so he does have a little bit of playing experience.”

Lotti, from Flowery Branch, Georgia, expected a competition when he came to Madison but also didn’t think he’d have trouble transitioning to the college game.

“The transition as a punter isn’t that bad because we’re doing the same thing,” Lotti said. “Nothing changes for us. It’s all muscle memory.”

Still, Lotti admits that it could take some getting used to when he punts in a stadium full of fans for the first time. Haering also said the transition to a major Division I program, even at the punter position, may be more difficult than it seems.

“Being a punter in college is different than punting in high school,” Haering said. “There’s some different emphasis that he’s going to have to get comfortable with.”