Growing up playing football without pads and a helmet seems nutty to most.

For Finn Lappin, it was a perfect fit.

Lappin is the booming punter of the Cowboys who learned his craft while kicking Down Under, where the water runs backward.

That too is a perfect fit for Lappin.

“Things are a lot different in Australia,” said Lappin. “American football is catching on fast, especially with my generation. But it is different.”

Lappin came to McNeese State last January and quickly won the job as the punter with his legs — yes, we said legs.

The freshman from Melbourne who learned how to kick while playing Australian Rules Football can punt with either foot. He has twice used his left leg this season.

“You have to kick with both legs in our game,” said Lappin. “You have to be able to do it on the run and under pressure. That’s how we pass the ball, by kicking.

“A good kicker there is the same as the quarterback here. He sets up the plays and moves the ball.”

Like other punters from his home country, Finn spent two years training at Prokick Australia, a school for athletes looking to play college football in the United States. 

Prokick has also sent its share of players to the NFL.

“They not only teach the ins and outs in punting, but they have contacts to get you into schools,” said Lappin. “That’s what got me to McNeese.”

Halfway through the season, Lappin has already earned his money. He leads the Southland Conference and is fifth in FCS with a 47.3 average. Of his 32 kicks, 13 have traveled 50 yards or more with a long of 68. 

He has dropped 10 inside the 20-yard line, including downing one inside just two feet from the Alcorn State goal line. That led to a McNeese touchdown moments later.

“Finn is a real weapon,” said McNeese head coach Gary Goff. “He has had a great season kicking the daylights out of the football. He can flip the field at any time.

“He is also a unique character. He is fun to be around.”

More than that, Lappin has done his part of helping change the 4-2 Cowboys’ fortunes. He was named the SLC Special Teams Player of the Week Monday for his work against Weber State last Saturday night. Lappin recorded the second-best punting average in a game in McNeese history with a 51.2 mark on six punts.

Lappin had a long of 58 yards, one of three he booted over 50 in the thin Ogden, Utah air.

“That was fun kicking there,” said Lappin. “You could really boom them.”

He also dropped one inside the 20 as well.

“I like the long punts, but I really like pinning the other team back deep,” Lappin said. 

As for the difference between the Australian game and the one with pads and helmets, Lappin said he learned that quickly.

“These guys are much more physical,” Lappin said. “They are mammoth, huge. I’m not looking to hit anybody.”

He almost had to do it once, but says he feels comfortable as chaos closes in after he gets the snap.

“I have a lot of big guys surrounding me and protecting me,” Lappin said.

As for kicking with two feet, Lappit admits, “I’m not as good with my left.”

At least not yet.