Some help with rub identification and deer/elk proximity?

I was scouting for deer on Labor Day and came upon some rubs. They were about 3-4 feet off the ground and about a foot in length going up the tree. Usually I can differentiate between elk and deer rubs for obvious reasons but this situation is a little different. I have yet to see any firm signs of deer but the elk are everywhere. The rubs were also right by a creek crossing that elk regularly use. Would a young/spike bull make a rub the size of an average deer? Or are the deer just flying under the radar in close proximity to the elk?