Miamisburg native and Notre Dame free safety David Bruton is moving up some NFL team's draft boards like the Jeffersons after an eye-popping performance at the Scouting Combine last month. He was among the Top Performers at the defensive back position in Indianapolis.

The 6-foot-2, 219-pound Bruton caught NFL scouts off guard when he scorched the track, running a 4.46 in the 40-yard dash. He posted the second fastest 40-time in his class. If that wasn't enough to grab the scout's attention, the 41.5-inch vertical posted by Bruton may have sealed the deal. The rest of his workout was near flawless. Bruton topped the charts in four of the seven events administered by scouts.

During a phone interview with Bruton after his Broadway like performance in Indy, he touched on his Combine experience and a possible future in the NFL.

"It was a blessing in itself," he said. "Just to be invited to the Combine with the top players and being able to experience what so many great players before experienced is tremendous. I just hope my performance helped me in terms of where I am drafted."

No problem there.

According to one AFC North scout, Bruton not only helped himself during drills, but in the interview process as well. He called the player highly intelligent, well-spoken and a student of the game. Bruton is due to graduate from Notre Dame in May with a degree in political science and sociology.

The scout added that the safety increased his draft status and is projected as a mid-to-late third round selection.

Bruton finished the 2008 season second on the team in tackles with 97 and led the team with four interceptions. He entered the season with the second-most career tackles (117) behind inside linebacker Maurice Crum Jr. (240) and was named to the preseason Jim Thorpe Award Watch List.

Bruton was a very productive player as a two-year starter in college, but making the transition to the pros can be somewhat daunting.

"I got a taste of what the fast paced NFL is like at the Senior Bowl," Bruton said. "I realized that you have to be on top of your game. Granted, we only got to run four coverages, but if the whole playbook was thrown at us, I wonder how many guys would be able to understand it within that short period of time. I feel my best asset outside of range is how football smart I am. I've set goals for myself and expect to achieve them. I believe I could have a future at the next level."

The safety has some pretty high standards.

Bruton said that he patterns his game after the late Sean Taylor and Baltimore Ravens All-Pro safety Ed Reed. His ultimate goal is to be as good as Taylor and Reed or better.

Which ever NFL team decides to draft Bruton will come away with some real value due to his ability to play special teams. As a safety, the team will be getting a ball-hawking defender with serious range. Bruton was allowed the freedom to roam and make plays in Notre Dame's secondary. That is when he was at his best. Bruton has great instincts and anticipation skills. He's a vocal leader on the field and leads by example.

On the downside, Bruton must show teams that he can play inside the box against the run and become a more consistent open-field tackler. Yet he is expected to be one of the more sought after defensive backs on draft day.