After some steady success, Chris Negron is ready to set some lofty goals.

In recent weeks, the former Freedom High School standout has quickly developed into Moravian College's leading rusher. Last week, Negron rushed for a career-high 251 yards and scored two touchdowns in the team's 41-21 victory over Gettysburg.

Two weeks ago against Franklin and Marshall, the 5-foot-8, 175-pound freshman helped his team to their first win of the season in a 52-42 triumph in which he rushed for 218 yards and scored two touchdowns.

Through Moravian's first nine games, Negron has 915 yards and seven touchdowns. With one game remaining in his team's 2-7 season, Negron has already conjured thoughts about what to do for an encore next season and beyond.

"I'm working to do what I can for next season," boomed Negron. "I now know what I can do and I want to be the best running back Moravian College has ever had. We have one more game left and I want to do well.

"From there, I want to get into the weight room and work on getting better. I don't want to be satisfied with anything."

Over the first four games of the season, Negron was a staple in the Greyhounds backfield, but he didn't break the 100-yard barrier in a game. In the team's fifth game - a 52-44 loss to Ursinus - Negron rushed for a game-high 164 yards on just nine carries and had a 50-yard touchdown rush in the process.

It proved to be a breakout game for him.

"I started slowly this year," recalled Negron. "I was running hard, but I felt I couldn't totally break free. Over the last three to four games, I felt more confident with myself and my game, and I became more productive on the field."

Negron noted the overall speed and physical play as two elements that needed to be adjusted along the way. He also quickly became accustomed to Moravian's no-huddle offense.

"The speed of the college game is definitely different," he said. "It is a lot faster than in high school. Also, you see a lot of linebackers coming at you who are bigger and stronger than in high school. It is a real war out there and you have to expect it and be ready for it.

"I'm a small guy and it quickly becomes harder out there. With our offense, you don't have a lot of time to choose a lane or route to run. But I have had a solid line working in front of me all season."

His coach has certainly noticed his determination.

"He (Negron) keeps getting better every week," said Moravian head coach Jeff Pukszyn. "He is a tough guy out there who has a better understanding of the offense and overall game. He works hard and it is paying off for him."

Negron nearly took the turn further west when he contemplated attending Albright instead of Moravian last year after returning to Freedom after spending the past two year at Dieruff. A sports management major, Negron has plans to enter the sports world in some capacity in three years.

Until then, Negron plans to play in full capacity for the Greyhounds.