MANGUM -- At first impression, Paul Epperson is an unassuming fellow. Despite being 6-foot-1 and 200 pounds, he speaks so softly that his voice trails off like a hummingbird and blends into the background of 30 other young boys.

However, if that initial meeting with Epperson takes place on the football field, an entirely different impression will come out of the confrontation. Dressed in his black Mangum jersey, head lowered and legs churning, he will do his best to make sure the last thing the defender sees is the bottom of his cleats.

"I have a different personality on the field and off," said the 16-year old Epperson.

As fullback for the Tigers, Epperson has emerged as a focal point for the team's wishbone offense and its leading ground gainer. With more than 400 yards rushing, his presence has allowed the rest of the offense to open up.

"It's nice we can give it to him and get eight or nine yards a pop," said Mangum quarterback Jace Clayton. "It lets us run the option because the [defensive] ends have to jump down on him and allows us to get around the edges."

Epperson, who is a junior at Mangum, said his only goals when he entered this season were to run hard, play hard and win. He said he had no idea he would be the team's leading rusher after four games.

But Epperson says the biggest part of his success are the teammates that clear the path for him. The offensive line of Rowdy Pitts, Alberto Adame, Jared Mitchell, Daniel Harper and Nick Hendricks have been solid and cohesive in their first year under coach Mark Box and his new offense.

Since fullbacks do not normally account for as many yards as Epperson does, there are not many other players who can be compared to him. However, Epperson says he believes his style resembles a Sooner favorite.

"I run like Kejuan Jones," Epperson said.

"He runs hard. Doesn't get that many yards, but runs hard always."

With Epperson acting as a battering ram to the middle of opposing defenses, Mangum has amassed a 3-1 record. They look to improve and stay undefeated in district (1-0) action when they travel to Hinton on Friday.

Mangum is coming off an impressive 27-14 victory over Sayre last week. In the game, Clayton scored on runs of 67 and 37 yards. The Tigers' only loss of the season came two weeks ago to Waurika.