Channel Islands High running back Richard Gray usually has a smile on his face, which is fitting considering how many smiles he put on the faces of the school's football fans last season.

The talented tailback was the primary offensive weapon for a Raiders squad that went 7-3 and qualified for the playoffs the first time in seven years.

Gray rushed for 1,453 yards and 10 touchdowns in the regular season, and also caught 12 passes for 111 yards and two scores.

Impressive numbers, but Gray has his goals sets even higher for 2012.

"I want to gain 2,000 yards," Gray said matter-of-factly. "I know it's a big number, but my goal is to break the CI rushing record, which Coach said is 1,700 yards. We have a great offensive line and a lot of other talented players on offense, so I feel it's a goal that can be reached."

Head coach Gary Porter said he has no problem with his star running back setting such a lofty goal. Porter said Gray and the offensive linemen openly talk about it.

"In fact, we have a few other talented backs, so our line is talking about wanting to gain 3,000 yards on the ground this season," Porter said.

An explosive running game and a hard-hitting defense were two of the reasons Channel Islands reached the postseason.

Gray said he's proud of being part of the group that helped restore the luster to the Channel Islands program. When he arrived on campus as a freshman, Gray said the football program resembled the "Bad News Bears." Gray, his best friend Hosea Faagogo and fellow teammate Angel Sapien settled on a mindset to turn the program around.

"Last year was big, but I expect us to do a lot better than we did last year," Gray said. "Making the playoffs gave us a boost for this season because we want to go farther this season."

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Channel Islands standout Gray sets lofty goals