Where do Owls go when they leave the nest? Recently, some of them have flown off to the NFL. Starting in 2004 with former lineman Brian Pare signing with the Chicago Bears, FAU has been sending players to the NFL.

Pare was followed by Jared Allen, former quarterback and the career leader in total yards and touchdowns at FAU. Allen signed a free agent contract with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on May 5, 2005. He’s currently in a battle with Bruce Gradkowski for a third string job with the Buc’s.

A former teammate of Allen’s, Chris Laskowski, is currently trying to make the Indianapolis Colts’ roster as a safety. He spent last year with the Colts as a special teams and practice squad player. Laskowski played linebacker at FAU and was the all-time leader in tackles when he left the university.

“Chris has been a good player for us,” Tony Dungy said of Laskowski on CBSSportsline.com.

Former linebacker Quentin Swain, who had 75 tackles in his senior season with the Owls, has also gone on to play professional football. Swain signed a free agent contract with the Berlin Thunder of NFL Europe last season, and he likes his chances of making an impact.

“Coach told me some things that inspired me coming in as a free agent,” he said.

Finally, defensive back Willie Hughley, who was a three-year starter and All-Conference at FAU, signed a free agent contract with the Cleveland Browns and is vying for one of the team’s final DB spots.