Former University of Hawai'i defensive end Ikaika Alama-Francis recently attended the National Football League Scouting Combine in Indianapolis. Because he is recovering from surgery to repair a torn pectoral muscle, he did not compete in drills. This is his diary entry from Pleasanton, Calif., where he is training.

TUESDAY, FEB. 27

The combine? It was fan-tas-tic. I loved every minute of it.

I met a lot of head coaches, owners, general managers. I think only one team knew how to pronounce my name correctly.

Everybody was all in one arena. It was a great experience. I talked to Herman Edwards of the Chiefs, Eric Mangini of the Jets, Brian Billick of the Ravens. I saw the Cowboys owner, Jerry Jones, but I didn't get a chance to meet him.

I got to talk to the guys from the Packers. That meant a lot because my father played for the Packers. They were really nice, very respectful.

I came in on Friday evening and, I tell you what, it kept on going, all day and all night. I got up at 5:30 in the morning and went until 11, 12 at night.

It was such a long process with the tests, interviews and weigh-ins. They listed me at 6-5 and 280 pounds.

I took the Wonderlic test, and answered almost every question. I felt comfortable. You only have 12 minutes to complete it. It's a multiple-choice test.

My pec is feeling good. I've been running a lot. I started lifting, too. I'm feeling better, but I decided not to push it and try to do the drills. It's only been, like, five weeks since the surgery. That's cutting it close. My arm feels good, but I wasn't medically cleared yet. It's the type of deal I wanted to be safe and not re-injure myself.

Besides, I get my chance at the pro day on March 29. We'll see what happens from there.

I'm back in Pleasanton, where I was training before the combine. I decided not to go back home. I felt I had so much work to do. It won't stop. I won't be comfortable until the day after the draft ends. That's why I'm working hard. I dream about that one day when I put on an NFL team's hat. That's what I'm working toward. I don't even wear hats. But I hope to wear one on draft day.

The biggest surprise was when I ran into my old teammate, Tala Esera. Remember how he had those long dreads? Now it's shaved. He's bald. It's so funny. I didn't recognize him. I looked at him and then realized, "That's Tala." I wonder what he did with all of that hair.