Gore has big goals to go along with big new contract with 49ers

Football Betting Lines

04/03/2007 -

SAN FRANCISCO (AP) -Frank Gore has some big goals to go along with his big new contract with the San Francisco 49ers. The Pro Bowl running back hopes to improve on his breakout campaign last season and top 2,000 yards in 2007.

Gore finished 2006 as the NFC's leading rusher with a franchise-record 1,695 yards. Now he's looking at an even bigger goal, possibly even surpassing Eric Dickerson's NFL record of 2,105 yards set in 1984.

``That's my goal,'' Gore said Tuesday. ``I always want to do better than what I did last year. I know that's a big number. I'm going to try to get it. I will work hard this offseason. If it happens, it happens. If it doesn't, it doesn't.''

Gore was due to earn $435,000 in his third season before agreeing to the four-year contract extension last week. He will be under contract to the 49ers through 2011 with a deal containing more than $14 million in guaranteed money, including a signing bonus worth a reported $6.5 million.

The 49ers didn't have to rework Gore's contract, but he appreciates the confidence coach Mike Nolan showed in him by doing it early.

``I know Coach Nolan and what type of guy he likes,'' Gore said. ``I knew as long as I kept doing the right things on and off the field that it would be taken care of.''

Gore hasn't made any expensive purchases for himself with his newfound wealth, saying he was more focused on preparing for next season. He did buy his mother a truck.

Gore was the heart of the 49ers' offense last season, setting franchise records for yards rushing; for his 2,180 total yards from scrimmage; and for single-game rushing with his 212-yard performance against Seattle.

After a career dotted by injuries, Gore started all 16 games for the 49ers last season and was selected to start in his first Pro Bowl. The former University of Miami star underwent reconstructive surgery on both knees in college, followed by major surgery on both shoulders after his rookie season with the Niners.

But Gore was remarkably durable while averaging 5.4 yards per carry last year. His low-to-the-ground running style delighted fans and frustrated defenses as he surpassed the best seasons by former San Francisco stars Roger Craig, Ricky Watters and Garrison Hearst.

Gore is trying to lose about five pounds this offseason, dropping to about 210 after talking to San Diego star LaDanian Tomlinson at the Pro Bowl. Tomlinson told Gore that losing a few pounds helped him stay fresher late in the season.

Gore hopes it will help him improve his speed and allow him to finish more of his long runs in the end zone instead of close to the goal line. He also wants to reduce his fumbles, a problem that especially plagued him early in the season.

``I feel if I finished my runs last year I could have led the league in rushing and gotten more touchdowns,'' he said.

Copyright © 2005 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. The information contained in the AP News report may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without the prior written authority of The Associated Press.

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