Four former University of Hawai'i football players received a chilly reception yesterday as they arrived in Indianapolis for the National Football League combine.

"It's cold, bro," slotback Ryan Grice-Mullins said. "It's like 17 (degrees). It's definitely not 80 degrees, like Hawai'i."

"Whoever decides to come here," quarterback Colt Brennan said, "better pack some warm clothes. It's definitely chilly."

Brennan, Grice-Mullins, slotback Davone Bess and wideout Jason Rivers will audition for NFL teams today through Sunday. There will be interviews, skill drills and specific workouts.

For the three receivers, the key is the 40-yard dash. During UH testing last spring, Rivers ran the distance in 4.45 seconds, tied for the team best. He believes he needs to run in the low 4.4s, or quicker, to boost his stock.

Grice-Mullins, who has been training in Costa Mesa, Calif., also believes he needs to produce a fast 40-yard time.

He said he has sprinted well in workouts, but "those are just workouts." Hundreds of NFL officials, including general manager, scouts and coaches, will watch the combine drills.

"I know how fast I can run," Grice-Mullins said. "I'm not going to say anything. I'm going to wait, and let everybody see for themselves."

Bess has been praised for his first-step quickness and sure hands.

But, he conceded, "I have to run a good 40. That's the only knock right now. I have to run a good 40, and put it in God's hands after that."

He added: "I'm not really a 40 dude. When I'm on the field, I like to think nobody can catch me. But I'm not the guy who can stand on a line, and just get up and go."

Bess said he has worked on improving his lower-body strength. He has been doing one-legged squats and leg presses.

Brennan said he has been told the NFL is interested in two areas: his weight and passing skills.

Because of a stomach-flu-like ailment, the 6-foot-2 1/2 Brennan dropped to 185 pounds. He has told friends he now weighs 200.

He said he will participate only in the passing drills. "That's what they want to see," Brennan said.

Brennan said he suffered a hip-pointer in the Jan. 1 Sugar Bowl. That led to tightness in his hamstring. Because of those injuries, he was not able to properly train for the sprints.

He said he is 100 percent physically. He plans to run the 40-yard dash and pro-shuttle runs at UH's Pro Day April 1 in Carson, Calif.

SPEED CLINIC THIS WEEK

Hawai'i Speed and Quickness will have sessions Saturday and Sunday at the UH athletic complex.

Each session is $10, and includes training in plyometrics and resistance workouts. Student-athletes will serve as guest instructors.

For information, call 739-5444 or go to: www.hawaiispeedandquickness.com.