[Stardust]

Enquirer reporter Ryan Ernst names the top Northern Kentucky underclassmen to watch this fall:

Travis Elliott
School: Ryle

Position: RB/LB

Class: Junior

Height: 5-11

Weight: 210

Buzz: A standout running back since his freshman season. Has a chance to put up some of the best career rushing numbers the area has ever seen. Now will play a bigger role as an outside linebacker. Probably will play more snaps on defense than offense.

Coach's quote: "He's just bigger, stronger and faster. He was running a 4.6 or under at all the combines. He just stayed in the weight room. He was big and strong and fast last year. This year he's bigger, stronger and faster. And he's grown into a leader. He's the first junior we've ever had as a captain - the first junior we've ever considered." - Ryle coach Bryson Warner

Dasean Peterson
School: Holmes

Position: WR

Class: Sophomore

Height: 6-2

Weight: 165

Buzz: A very talented young player who already is on the radars of Division I college coaches. Known for his big-play ability. Had a surprisingly productive season as a freshman playing varsity wide receiver in a mostly run-oriented offense. Should play a bigger role.

Coach's quote: "He's a special athlete. We're going to do some things offensively in the short passing game just so we can get the ball in his hands. But he can also go up and get it. He's got great ball skills." - Holmes coach Stephen Lickert

Zeke Pike
School: Dixie Heights

Position: QB

Class: Junior

Height: 6-5

Weight: 230

Buzz: He is the most highly-recruited football player in Northern Kentucky, regardless of class. Already has received plenty of Division I attention, including an offer from defending national champion Alabama. Played linebacker last year, but has yet to start a varsity game at quarterback. Is the son of former NFL veteran Mark Pike.

Coach's quote: "He's got the size, the arm. He understands coverages. ... We've had some really good quarterbacks in my time here. And this guy could be the best of all." - Dixie Heights coach Tom Spritzky

Patrick Towles
School: Highlands

Position: QB

Class: Junior

Height: 6-5

Weight: 225

Buzz: Became the starting QB last year after an early-season injury to Will Bardo. ... Helped lead Highlands to its third straight Class 5A state title. Is the grandson of Hall of Fame pitcher and U.S. senator Jim Bunning.

Coach's quote: "He's just been so unbelievably motivated year-round. He continues to take giant steps up. In the spring and summer he's gone to another level." - Highlands coach Dale Mueller

Cameron Vocke
School: Beechwood

Position: RB

Class: Junior

Height: 5-9

Weight: 175

Buzz: Probably would have been a 1,000-yard rusher on most local teams last year, but the Tigers already had two 1,000-yard rushers. Rushed for 185 yards and three touchdowns in a playoff victory over Bellevue. Will be the team's go-to back this season.

Coach's quote: "Cameron is just a fun kid to coach because he has fun working hard. That's great to have. And then his talent is through the roof. His two best attributes are his vision and his balance. Anytime you have a tailback like that and you run the zone like we do, it's a perfect fit." - Beechwood coach Noel Rash