From 1981 through 1988 former Cincinnati Bengals great Cris Collinsworth was busy making a name for himself in the Queen City and throughout the NFL as a sure-handed wide receiver who went on to catch 417 passes for 6,698 yards and 36 touchdowns in an 8-year career that included three trips to the Pro Bowl.

Twenty years later there is another Collinsworth who is making a name for himself as well in Fort Thomas and throughout the Bluegrass State.

Junior Austin Collinsworth, son of Cris, enjoyed a breakout season in 2007 for the Kentucky Class 5A champion Highlands Bluebirds. The 6-foot-2, 180-pound defensive back led the team with five interceptions and was named to the Kentucky Associated Press second team defense.

Collinsworth will try to add to his resume this fall when he follows in his father's footsteps and lines up at wide receiver. Highlands head coach Dale Mueller said he moved Collinsworth from his offensive role of back-up running back to wide receiver in January of this year and the results have been nothing short of spectacular. The speedy junior excelled in the Bluebirds' spring practice sessions and continues to flash positive signs in ongoing 7-on-7 passing drills against both Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky competition.

With leading rusher Josh Conner back for his senior season, Collinsworth's move out of the backfield should give him plenty of opportunities for more touches and to make plays.

"Austin is extremely special and is just a complete football player," said Mueller. "He can run by a guy on deep routes or catch it on short routes and make something happen. We think he is going to be a great wide receiver."

Mueller said Collinsworth is a great natural athlete but added that is not the only thing that makes him a standout.

"He has high character, is a hard worker and is such a selfless, giving person. Sometimes with great athletes they want everything to revolve around them but he (Austin) is not like that at all…he's very coachable."

It helps to have an NFL Dad in the fold who knows a thing or two about football.

"No question being Cris' son has been a tremendous advantage," Mueller admitted. "By the end of his freshman season he was already just so knowledgeable about the game. They are both cut out of the same mold."

Collinsworth made his mark as a shutdown DB last season, more than holding his own against wide receivers that included University of Michigan recruits Roy Roundtree and Michael Shaw of Trotwood Madison and Bowling Green's D.L. Moore, a University of South Carolina recruit. Those duties won't change in '08 with his added position at wide receiver and he'll also continue to return punts, so his all-around playing time will be extensive.

Mueller said letters from colleges from all across the country are pouring in but the serious offers won't start coming until next year because of his age. In the meantime, Collinsworth will try to add to the family name and his own growing reputation.