Ryan Abels will have the numbers 165 and 30 in mind as he begins his final season at Waynesburg College.

Abels, a graduate of Elizabeth Forward High School, needs only 165 yards to break the school record for career rushing yards. He also needs 30 points to become the school's top career scoring leader.

"Setting school records would be a bonus, but my main goal is to win another Presidents' Athletic Conference title," said Abels. "We won the title my freshman year. It would be nice to go out with another title."

Waynesburg struggled last season in coach Rick Shepas' debut, as the Yellow Jackets went 4-6, which included a pair of overtime losses and three others by six points or less.

"It was tough last season with coach Shepas coming in right before the season began," said Abels. "It was tough learning a whole new offense. It took until late in the season before we finally caught on.

"We really came together in spring ball, so I'm really looking forward to the upcoming season."

Abels is one of six starters returning on offense. He is joined by quarterback Tres Cobb, tight end Chuck Wright and three linemen.

"Our offense looks good," said Abels, who has recorded 18 career 100-yard games. "We have a lot of returnees. Our biggest concern is at receiver. We lost two very good receivers, but I think we'll be OK."

Shepas must replace Dominick Hunter and Ivan Hawkins, the two most successful receivers in school history. Back-up Mike Shields, a Steel Valley grad, returns after catching 21 passes last season, and is joined by Anthony Taylor, who has moved to receiver after starting the past two seasons at defensive back.

"Anthony had a great spring," said Abels. "I don't think he dropped a single pass. That was a pleasant surprise."

Abels broke into the starting lineup as a freshman and rushed for 877 yards and 12 touchdowns on 182 carries. He also broke a school record with five rushing touchdowns against Bethany that season. Abels added 957 yards and 10 touchdown on 168 carries as a sophomore. Included among those rushing totals was a career high 246-yard effort against Randolph-Macon, which ranks third in school history.

"Ryan Abels is a very special player," said Shepas. "I enjoy watching him run the ball."

Abels, a three-time first-team All-PAC selection, set the Waynesburg single-season rushing record last year with 1,299 yards and 10 touchdowns on 201 carries. He finished first in the PAC and 14th among NCAA Division III rushers with a 129.9-yard average per game.

"Last season was disappointing," said Abels. "We lost so many close game. We've got to win those close games this year."

Abels enters his senior season with 3,133 career rushing yards. Mike Stout, a 1999 Waynesburg graduate, owns the school record with 3,297 yards. Rich Dahar, a 1967 Yellow Jackets graduate, owns the career scoring record with 233 points. Abels has 204 points, but is also trailing current Yellow Jackets kicker Ben Popson, who has 211 points.

"Our running game will certainly be the strength of our offense," said Shepas, also referring to Eric Daniels, who shares time in the Waynesburg backfield with Abels.

"Ryan and Eric give us two threats in the running game. We have two players who can score from anywhere on the field, whether they're running the football or catching a pass in the flat."

Daniels rushed for 526 yards and eight touchdowns on 96 carries last season. Despite sharing time with Abels, Daniels ranks ninth in school history with 1,845 yards and 26 touchdowns.