He is currently in Atlanta, training with former Owls teammate Morkeith Brown.
"I'll admit, the first couple days were rough, getting used to the training schedule, but after a few days I adjusted," said Pierce, who finished his Temple career with 3,570 rushing yards and 53 rushing touchdowns. "We work hard every day, and I think a lot of people are going to be surprised at the combine and my Pro Day with my performance.
"I think that my speed and size separates me from the rest of the guys at my position. I've heard that there are not as many big backs coming out this year with my capabilities, and I think that helps set me apart."
The combine begins Wednesday and run to Feb. 28. It will be televised on the NFL Network.
"I'm viewing this as a big job interview," said Whitehead (6-1, 230), who was second-team all-Mid-American Conference team after recording 70 total tackles, five sacks and four forced fumbles. "I'm going to go there and present myself as best as I possibly can for me, my family and the university."
Since leaving Temple at the conclusion of the season, Whitehead has spent the past few months training in Boca Raton, Fla.
"We do beach workouts, you can work different muscles down here," Whitehead said. "There's different things that are available to you down here that you can't get up north, where you would be working out indoors and you can't utilize things like hills and other things nature has to offer."
Also training in Florida is Rodriguez, who has been in Bradenton preparing for the combine. A first-team all-MAC choice, he has taken advice from two former teammates, Eagles safety Jaiquawn Jarrett and Jets defensive end Muhammad Wilkerson, who attended the combine last year.
"They said to enjoy the process and don't be nervous," said the 6-3, 240-pound Rodriguez, who totaled 871 receiving yards and seven touchdowns in three seasons. "They coached me up a little."
Despite playing in an offense more known for running the ball, Rodriguez said his versatility can make him stand out from the competition.
"I can do a lot," he said. "I can run, I can block, you can put me at fullback, wide receiver or in the slot. I'm a mismatch for a lot of people."
