college rules are such that any of the 11 players on the punting team are allowed to proceed downfield at any time once the play has begun (unlike the nfl where only 2 players, the left and right gunners, are allowed to pass the line of scrimmage before the ball has been kicked). this results in many teams employing a "spread punt" or "rugby-style" scheme designed to maximize downfield coverage and limit returners from making larger gains the other way after receiving the ball.