CARSON, Calif. — Before yesterday's National Football League Pro Timing Day, each of the more than 60 scouts and personnel directors was fitted with a wristband decorated with smiley faces.

The message from the University of Hawai'i football program, which organized the event, was subliminal and hopeful.

"We hope everyone comes away happy," safety Leonard Peters said.

Peters was among 15 former UH football players who participated in the series of disciplines to test speed, quickness, strength and football know-how. The NFL allows Division I schools to hold a day of tryouts on their campuses.

Because of the distance from the Mainland, UH received permission to stage its pro day in the Home Depot Center, a wide-spread complex that serves as the soccer hub of the West Coast. UH also piggy-backed the University of Southern California's pro day, hoping the scouts would stick around an extra day.

UH's pro day actually drew as many scouts as USC's. What's more, New York Jets head coach Eric Mangini skipped USC's pro day to have dinner with four former Warriors — safety Leonard Peters and offensive linemen Tala Esera, Samson Satele and Dane Uperesa.

"They've got a nice group of prospects," Tennessee Titans offensive coordinator Norm Chow said of the former Warriors.

The event served as a mini reunion. Former UH quarterback Tim Chang showed up. "I just wanted to root for the guys," Chang said.

For Satele, who is expected to be the first Warrior selected in next month's NFL draft — somewhere in the first three rounds — the event served as refresher. Satele performed well in last month's NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis, and opted not to participate in yesterday's running and lifting drills.

"I let the numbers (from Indianapolis) stand," Satele said. "I just wanted to do the o-line drills, to show the scouts I still have it."

Injuries and illness prevented Uperesa and Esera from competing in skill drills in Indianapolis. Yesterday was their final audition before NFL teams begin crafting draft strategies.

Uperesa had a difficult time preparing. He pulled a hamstring in Indianapolis and, two weeks ago, suffered a slight pectoral muscle injury.

"I had to rehab and train at the same time," Uperesa said. "Some of my numbers weren't the best, but I gave my best."

Peters also had a disappointing performance in Indianapolis, mostly because he had an achilles injury he kept secret from the scouts.

"I didn't want to make any excuses," he said.

Yesterday, Peters appeared to have difficulty with his footing during the 40-yard sprints, as did most of the players. They had believed they would run on the track instead of on FieldTurf.

There was no official timer yesterday. Each of the scouts kept their own hand-held time. But after a meeting, the scouts agreed that as much as a tenth of a second should be deducted from some 40 times because of the slippery traction.

Still, the sprint drills served as only one evaluation tool. The second half of yesterday's event was spent on football drills.

Peters performed well in pass-coverage drills. UH's offensive linemen also excelled, particularly Satele.

"Everybody likes Samson," Chow said. "He's wide in the butt, but he can really move his feet."

In football parlance, Chow's assessment was high praise.

"That's a compliment," Satele said. "I've got a center of gravity. I've got balance."

For others, the pro day served as a chance for exposure. Nose tackle Lawrence Wilson paid his own way.

Renolds Fruean, who does not have an agent, started working out a month ago.

And cornerback Kenny Patton, who missed UH's final eight games because of a broken collarbone, drew attention with breakout tests results. He ran the fastest 40 (4.46) and had the best vertical jump (41 1/2 inches). He also made a one-handed interception.

After the workout, he received an interview with the New Orleans Saints.

"I tried my best," Patton said. "Now I hope I get a shot."