punt

[Theisey]

Since he is for a period of time a runner until he actually kicks the ball he does not have special protection.
Here's where judgment enters the picture.
Contact by the pursuit may not be a foul if it reasonably certain (to you the official) that a kick will not be made.

If you think the contact could have been avoided after the kick was made, then you have a foul.

Check case book 9.4.5.Sit-B