INDIANAPOLIS––Reaction was mixed among the fastest NFL prospects to news that the league is considering competition among players in 40-yard dash at the Combine, but Florida running back Chris Rainey didn't mind.

"I might run a 3.8," joked Rainey.

The NFL is reportedly looking to capitalize on the 40, the highest-profile, most heralded event at the Combine. First reported by Judy Battista of the New York Times, it's just one of several modifications being considered for the professional football's version of a job interview.

"The N.F.L. is contemplating making several significant changes in the next few years to its annual job fair for college players, including having prospects race against one another in the 40-yard dash," writes Battista.

Rainey is considered to be one of the fastest players at Combine and for good reason. He beat teammate Jeff Demps in a 40 race during his freshman year in college. Demps is now training for the 100-meter dash in the Olympics this summer.

Tennessee Titans running back Chris Johnson set the 40 Combine record with a time of 4.24 seconds back in 2008, so 3.8 is rather unrealistic, but Rainey's enthusiasm for head-to-head competition might be what the NFL wants to hear.

They're allowing 250 fans to watch the Combine on a trail basis on Sunday for the first time in history, making it obvious that they're seeking ways to make the annual event more fan friendly and perhaps bring in additional revenue from it.

Rainey thinks competition brings out the best in him, as does Miami wide receiver Travis Benjamin, another player contending for the title of "Fastest Player at the Combine" that hopes to run a sub-4.3.

"I would love to do that," said Benjamin. "I feel like my competitive nature, when I run against somebody, it would boost my adrenaline up more to make me run faster."

Including a race as part of the Combine might also add an element of gamesmanship, maybe even trash talking.

Most football players are too proud to back down from a challenge. And that could help foster a soap-opera environment in which players will try to one-up each other, such as what happened between Benjamin and Rainey on Friday.

"I've never seen him run. He just talks about how fast he is," said Benjamin about Rainey in jest. "I just got to see what he runs."

Not everyone is embracing change, however.

Some decision makers have resisted alterations to the Combine environment. It's not a game, and several NFL types want to stay true to the job interview atmosphere where players can perform and personnel can evaluate in relative peace.

Arkansas wide receiver Jarius Wright, another player vying for the fastest 40 time this year, is dubious about competing in a race.

"I really don't know if that would be fair, because some guy's reactions would be slower than others," said Wright. "Having guys run by themselves, I think that's better just because you can take off whenever you get ready."