Clocking in: saying goodbye to college football and hello to the NFL means proving you are big enough, strong enough and fast enough. At Florida State's pro day, 21 hopefuls took some time-honored tests for scouts.(NFL)

Nothing brings out a cluster of NFL scouts and their stopwatches like a pro day. At Florida State last week, they lined up seven deep on each side of the finish line--more scouts, coaches and personnel men watched attentively from the bleachers--to time 21 departing seniors in the 40-yard dash. The players also were tested in the bench press, broad jump, vertical jump, short shuttle and 3-cone drill before concluding the workout with positional drills. In 1995, 10 Florida State players (including three first-rounders) were drafted, setting a school record. This year's class could break that mark. "I'll bet you 10 to 12 will get drafted," says one NFL scout.

Getting ready

Tight end Paul Irons stretches his quads as he warms up for the short shuttle and 3-cone. Both drills are held inside of a multipurpose room the FSU players refer to as the "Turf Room," where the FieldTurf surface with ground-up rubber makes stopping, starting and changing directions challenging. Several players lose their balance and slip during these drills.

Hands-on assignment

Vikings defensive line coach Brian Baker puts defensive tackle Travis Johnson through a 30-second hand deflection drill. The purpose is to test Johnson's reaction and balance. When Baker puts his hands on Johnson, the player is supposed to knock them off. But Johnson becomes a bit feisty--he even knocks Baker's cap off--much to the delight of the students and fans who watch.

Help from above

Before they begin their workouts, the FSU players put their hands together in a show of unity and say a prayer. Today probably will be the last time they're all together.