Arthur Hart
Punter – Senior
UNC Charlotte
Alex Khvatov: What are your measurements (height, weight and forty time)?
Arthur Hart: 6’2 or 6’3, about 215 and I ran a low 4.7 two years ago.
Alex Khvatov: Where are you currently training for the NFL Draft?
Arthur Hart: I am training at school.
Alex Khvatov: When is your Pro Day and what do you hope to showcase on that day?
Arthur Hart: March 26th. A couple of weeks ago, I went to the camp in Arizona. I focused on directional punting and hang time there. I saw some of the best punters there.
Alex Khvatov: Coming out of high school, what programs showed interest in you?
Arthur Hart: I went to a boarding school for hearing deficiencies in Washington DC. I am fully deaf. I played football there my junior and senior years. I broke my left foot my junior year and had a boot on. I started kicking the ball on the sideline. I noticed that I had a pretty good leg. I started kicking and punting more. I went to Duke camp my senior year, and the UNC Charlotte coaches were there. They approached me. I punted in front of the coach when I went there for a visit.
Alex Khvatov: Why did you choose UNC Charlotte?
Arthur Hart: It was my first offer, and I committed. I had no expectations to play D-I football. I was mainly getting attention from D-II schools. I fell in love with Charlotte, being from Wisconsin.
Alex Khvatov: Describe your overall career.
Arthur Hart: It was pretty rough my first two years. I didn’t have a special teams coach. I was averaging 36 yards a punt my freshman year. I got better. I improved by 3-4 yards a punt every year. There were no TD’s scored on punts in my four years. I take pride in it. The biggest return was 30 yards against me. I went from 39 yards a punt to 44 yards a punt my senior year. We were pocket punting more. I had a good year. I led the nation in punts and punt yards. I had a lot of opportunities because our team went 0-11 my senior year. I faced adversity and went out there 86 times. I had no blocked punts and made no big mistakes.
Alex Khvatov: What are your strengths?
Arthur Hart: Directional punting and distance.
Alex Khvatov: What areas of your game are you trying to improve upon?
Arthur Hart: Hang time and consistency.
Alex Khvatov: How were you able to overcome your hearing deficiency?
Arthur Hart: It was not always easy. Football is a vocal sport. My coaches and teammates here at Charlotte were amazing about it. They would switch communication tactics. I had to pay attention more than other people and stay focused.
Alex Khvatov: What is the highlight of your career up to this point?
Arthur Hart: My senior season as a whole. I wasn’t super proud of my statistics my first three years. I achieved most of the goals my senior year. I was able to average 40 yards a punt. I had no blocked punts, no mistakes and no dropped snaps.
Alex Khvatov: What is your favorite NFL team?
Arthur Hart: I am a Packers fan. I am from Wisconsin. It is part of my life. I have an Aaron Rodgers’ jersey hanging in my room.
Alex Khvatov: Brett Favre or Aaron Rodgers?
Arthur Hart: Rodgers is better. I have never seen a QB do what he does.
Alex Khvatov: Who is your favorite NFL player?
Arthur Hart: Out of the punters, it was Pat McAfee before he retired. Johnny Hekker from the Rams is unbelievable. He is so consistent.
Alex Khvatov: What is the most important trait for a punter?
Arthur Hart: Consistency. Being able to come out in any weather condition and hit a good ball.
Alex Khvatov: What players on your team should we keep an eye on for next season?
Arthur Hart: We have a great RB tandem. Benny Lemay and Aaron McAllister are underclassmen, but everyone should look out for them. DL Timmy Horne is a redshirt freshman who is 6’6, 320 and he started a few games. RG Nate Davis is pro ready.
Alex Khvatov: What do you enjoy most about football?
Arthur Hart: I love the fact that everyone has a role in football. They all do their job and come together. It makes football a pure team sport.
Alex Khvatov: What are your hobbies?
Arthur Hart: I love video games and hanging out with friends. I enjoyed snowboarding a lot before training. I love to be outdoors. Hiking and climbing. I love to go out West. My family lives there.
Alex Khvatov: What do you want to do with your life after your football career is over?
Arthur Hart: My major is in sociology, and my minor is in psychology. I am interested in socialization. I am interested in working for a non-profit where I can help and give to people.
Alex Khvatov: Finish the sentence, Arthur Hart is….
Arthur Hart: Somebody who is been through a lot of adversity. I never counted myself out. With my hearing and other stuff, I never gave up. I will never give up.
