Bulked up to 215 pounds, Warren Central running back Joel Forbes has his eyes set on becoming a Mr. 3,000.

Forbes needs 1,056 yards this season to join the likes of Warren Central football superstars Carl Blue and Brian Darden. Forbes will begin his quest on Friday at 6 p.m. against Clarksdale in the Red Carpet Bowl Classic.

Forbes said he wants to join the exclusive club that includes Blue and Darden.

“That’s my goal, to cross that 3,000-yard mark,” said Forbes, who rushed for 1,131 yards to earn All-County and All-Region 2-5A honors a season ago.

Vikings head coach Curtis Brewer, however, wants more touchdowns from Forbes, who scored five touchdowns last season.

“Our emphasis with Joel is to put the ball in the endzone more,” Brewer said. “He’s got to work harder to get to the goal line.”

Forbes took it to heart and that’s why he’s bulked up.

“I’m a lot stronger at 215,” he said. “My goal is to practice hard and play hard.”

With that attitude, the Vikings could end a string of 5-6 seasons. They’ve missed the playoffs the last two years. In 2007, they lost their first three games before playing better in the second half of the season.

The Vikings return a quality offensive line with tackle Danny Bunch and three other senior starters including center Jonathan Chaney and guard Clay Koestler. All three were named to the All-Region team. They also have like Forbes, a two-year starter at quarterback in Keaton Sanders.

“We’re going to be good. Our offense is clicking better. It’s come together,” Forbes said. “It’s been rough the last two years, seeing our playoff streak end. That’s why we’re here to make the playoffs.”

Another strong season could also march Forbes into a collegiate football program next year.

“I’m going to play football somewhere next year,” Forbes said. “My ACT score could be better and I’m working on it. I’ve heard from the schools in the SEC, but I can’t name all of them.”

After the Red Carpet Bowl, the Vikings will meet crosstown rival Vicksburg on Sept. 5 at Memorial Stadium. The Vikings lost 7-0 to VHS at Viking Stadium last year.

“We’ve got to get them this time,” Forbes said.