They don't talk technique. They crack jokes.

"That's how we keep him loose," Holtz said of his junior place-kicker.

The joking started last season against North Carolina. After three straight misses, Hartman had a chance to try a game-winning goal and was nervous as a deer facing headlights.

"Tell me a joke," Holtz said, trying to settle him down. Hartman, explaining it was a big kick, said he couldn't think of anything funny in such a tense moment.

So Holtz asked: "Why did the coach go to the bank?"

Hartman drew a blank and Holtz answered: "To get his quarter back."

Ha! Ha! Ha!

Hartman booted a 39-yarder as time expired, lifting ECU to a 34-31 victory.

On Dec. 23 in the Hawaii Bowl, with ECU and Boise State tied 38-38, he faced another big kick. That time Hartman told Holtz he had the joke.

"Why is a stadium hot after the game is over?'' he asked his coach.

"Because all the fans are gone," Hartman quipped.

Ha! Ha! Ha!

Then the wise-cracking Pirate nailed a 34-yarder as the clock ran out, giving the Pirates a 41-38 win.

Hartman, an honor roll student, insists he thrives on pressure and feeds off the crowds, be it cheers at home or jeers on the road.

This year Hartman, described in the ECU media guide as "free-spirited," has converted both field-goal chances inside the 30-yard line and is 6-for-6 on extra points. His career PAT stat is 65-for-65, a school record for consecutive makes.

At one time, it appeared the Pirate might not kick at all. Hampered by a hip flexor, he didn't play in the first three games.

Last season he also had a faulty foot on mid-range field goals, converting just 6 of 12 between the 30- and 39-yard lines. Hartman corrected that flaw by keeping his head down and his "eye on the ball."

While the joking with Holtz will continue, ECU has a place-kicker it can count on -- and that's no joke.

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