Senior punter Tom Hull has been a stalwart on fourth down for the Crimson, pinning opponents deep for the last three years.

It could only be a beautiful twist of irony that allowed Tom Hull to be a punter for Harvard. His father, Michael Hull, a member of the 1972 Redskins Super Bowl team, was the player designated to block punts, the player meant to wreak havoc in the life of a punter.

But there is nothing ironic about the talent that both father and son possess, a similarity that binds punter and blocker.

“[Tom] is a dream come true for us,” Michael says. “Throughout his football career, he’s evolved into a wonderful player with so much natural ability. It’s a true God-given gift.”

The senior has been the starting punter for the Crimson since his sophomore year and has been part of two Ivy League championship teams.

“Tom’s one of the most focused guys I’ve ever been around,” captain Carl Ehrlich says. “He’ll be the first with a weather report, he’ll be the first to practice and the first to warm up.”

This focus is no doubt what enabled Hull to be the starting punter, tight end, and safety for his high school football team, while excelling in the IB and honors program.

When sifting through college options, the combination of athletics and academics was a significant factor, especially for the elder Hull.

“Tom was given a full-on academic challenge matched by a full-on athletic challenge at Harvard,” Michael says. “The true scholar-athletes are found at these institutions of higher learning.”

The California native found his experience at Harvard, particularly on the football team, worth the move.

“It was definitely a shock coming here from California,” Tom explains. “But I’ve met such quality guys from all over the country and have been exposed to all sorts of cultural backgrounds. The coaches are the best I’ve ever had and care about both the program and the players.”

As a punter, Hull has learned—or perhaps innately possessed—a mentality of preparedness and patience.

“Tom only gets five or six plays a game,” Michael says. “I’m in awe of his self-control and of his ability to perform like he does after waiting on the sidelines.”

“To stand on the sidelines and come in for one kick is the hardest part for me,” his son adds. “It’s tough for me not to get too pumped or too excited and over-kick the ball.”

The senior attributes much of his mentality to the example his father provided him.

“My dad was the one who taught me how to punt when I was little,” Tom Hull says. “He definitely has been my role model and mentor and has instilled me with the mental fortitude and work ethic needed to survive in football.”