Batting the ball

[JRutledge]

I would like the opinions of both NCAA and NF level.

K is attempting an obvious onside kick near the end of the game.

K kicks the ball into the ground and bounces over the first line of R players and is untouched. An R player while the ball has bounced and in the air punches the ball (batting) a) backwards, b) forward, c) sideways in an effort to get the ball out of bounds and keep away from K recovering the ball.

Legal or illegal in any of those situations? And if you can give a rules reference if warranted.

Peace