In preparation for this weekend's National Football League draft, Ryan Mouton will participate in one of Texas' Friday traditions.

The former University of Hawai'i cornerback will play football.

Joe Baker, who coaches defensive backs for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, will conduct a private workout for Mouton at Katy (Texas) High School.

Mouton is an intriguing prospect. He was the most talented cornerback in his two seasons in Hawai'i, although his playing time was limited because of injuries and circumstances. In 2007, he endured a partially torn posterior cruciate ligament. In 2008, he was used at slotback and nickelback, as well as his natural position of cornerback. He also overcame an ankle injury.

Mouton's offseason performances collectively improved his draft status. He played well in January's East-West Shrine Game despite suffering a hamstring injury.

At the NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis in February, Mouton, who is 5 feet 9, had a vertical jump of 39 1/2 inches and broad jump of 10 feet 9. He aggravated his left hamstring three-quarters of the way into the 40-yard dash, finishing in an unofficial 4.48 seconds.

At the UH Pro Day earlier this month in Carson, Calif., Mouton had a broad jump of 11 feet. But he again aggravated his left hamstring halfway through the 40-yard dash. He was timed in 4.42 seconds.

The question for NFL scouts: Is the sum equal to the parts of three standout performances?

"When it comes to corners," agent Kenny Zuckerman said, "it's the teams' flavor of choice. Some teams like big corners. Some like smaller corners who are fast. It really depends."

Mouton tried to alleviate concerns by taking the Biodex, a test that measures the strength of the hamstring, quadriceps and the area between the two.

Zuckerman said Mouton's right hamstring was at 100 percent; his left at 93 percent.

"There's a slight difference," Mouton said. "Nothing to scare a team away."

Indeed, the results were good enough to draw strong interest from the Chicago Bears, Jacksonville Jaguars, Tennessee Titans, Miami Dolphins and Green Bay Packers.

Mouton and safety Sammy Knight have trained together. Knight was named to the 2001 Pro Bowl when he was with the New Orleans Saints.

Playing pro football, Mouton said, has "always been a dream of mine. Hopefully, everything goes well on draft day."

For Mouton, that should be Sunday, when the third through seventh rounds will be conducted. Mouton and several former teammates from Blinn Junior College have rented a place for Saturday night.

Sunday morning, they will attend church. Mouton's father is a pastor. Then they will watch the draft.

His good luck charm?

"My cell phone," he said, "which hopefully will be getting calls."

TENSE MOMENT

For former UH outside linebacker Adam Leonard, his pro future depends on whether his skills are measured in four years or 40 yards.

During his UH career, Leonard was one of the most prolific tacklers, despite playing with several injuries.

But at the UH Pro Day, Leonard's best time in the 40-yard dash was 4.88 seconds. He appeared to be distracted after two false starts.

"I was too tense," Leonard said. "I was over-thinking everything instead of relaxing."

During linebacker drills, Leonard was more comfortable, showing good lateral quickness and change of direction.

"By the time we did linebacker drills, I told myself I've got nothing to lose," Leonard said. "I was disappointed early, but then I went out there and relaxed and had fun."

Leonard has received interest from several teams, including his hometown Seattle Seahawks and the Philadelphia Eagles.

"We'll see what happens," he said. "I'm looking forward to this weekend."

STOCK RISING

For former UH defensive tackle Josh Leonard, life has changed dramatically since Pro Day.

That was when Leonard wowed NFL scouts by bench-pressing 225 pounds 41 times and completing the pro-agility test in 4.35 seconds.

"I'm doing much better," Leonard said.

Before Pro Day, he drew little interest. In the past three weeks, he has received inquiries from 20 NFL teams. The Indianapolis Colts, Carolina Panthers, Cleveland Browns, Buffalo Bills and Dolphins have shown the most interest, sending T-shirts and hats — the photo-op accessories for draft weekend.

Leonard, who is 6 feet 2 3/8, said he gained 15 pounds since Pro Day and now weighs 298.

He said he is projected to play defensive tackle in the 4-3 alignment or end in the 3-4 scheme.