Though it’s unlikely Anthony Webb ever thumbed through the rule book himself, he is comfortable enough to trust his entire well-being on it.

The safety net – sort of – is right there in the NCAA manual, Rule 6-3, Section 4: “A player of the receiving team within the boundary lines attempting to catch the kick : must be given an unimpeded opportunity to catch the kick.”

That’s all Webb needs to hear.

Kansas University’s punt-return specialist is taking that to the bank as he displays almost over-the-top courage in his new role. Webb has been returning punts for four weeks now, and though fair-catching is a rare sight, catching the ball and taking an immediate lick has been the usual result.

It’s not always ideal – but securing it is priority number one, and that’s not a problem for Webb.

“It may seem like it’s a big hit, but it’s not really,” Webb said. “They’ve got to give you time to catch the ball.”

Webb hasn’t had much of an opportunity to get a good return in, and he hopes that changes Saturday when No. 5 Kansas (9-0) plays at Oklahoma State (5-4).

Webb has averaged just 2.3 yards on 12 returns this season, his longest going for 15.

“The lack of having good returns at this point in time are not completely his fault,” KU coach Mark Mangino said. “We’ve got to do a better job of staying on our blocks. There’s situations where we’re letting one guy free, but that one guy can make the tackle. That whole unit has been a point of focus for us.”

Part of the work includes polishing up Webb, who has the athleticism, hands and fearlessness to flourish in the role once the mental aspect catches up. A former center-fielder in high school baseball, Webb has worked off-and-on returning punts in practice ever since he arrived at Kansas in June 2006.

He also returned punts during his high school days in Dallas – first at Wilmer-Hutchins High, then as a senior at South Oak Cliff after Wilmer-Hutchins closed.

Though he admits that making the right decision on fair-catching versus returning is something he needs to improve at, it’s not the number-one thing he’s working on at this point.

“Seeing the field better when I catch the ball,” Webb said. “I feel like if I can see the field more, see my blockers quicker, I can be a little more efficient on punt returns.”

Returning punts has become Webb’s full-time job on game day. He started at cornerback last year for the 6-6 Jayhawks, but an upgrade at the position with the additions of junior-college transfer Kendrick Harper and true freshman Chris Harris bumped Webb down the depth chart.

After having no real role for the first five games this season while Raimond Pendleton returned punts, Webb was given an opportunity in October after Pendleton started to struggle.

He’s now taken over the gig as his own. Next up is making a positive impression in that role, and helping the Jayhawks get precious field position as they continues their undefeated run.

“I love it,” Webb said. “It’s not really that tough. If you catch the ball, you’ll be OK.”