Rookie Bruton, former Miamisburg star, faces the Bengals today

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By Tom Archdeacon, Staff Writer 10:00 PM Saturday, September 12, 2009

Although he lives in Centerville, David Bruton Sr. said he has a couple of good reasons for wanting to see the Cincinnati Bengals get roughed up in their season opener with Denver today, Sept. 13, at Paul Brown Stadium:

• “I was raised up on the Cleveland Browns and I’m still a big fan of them.”

• “And, most of all, there’s our son, David.”

David Jr. — once a standout at Miamisburg High School, then at Notre Dame — is a rookie safety for the Broncos.

A fourth-round pick, he became the first Miamisburg High player ever drafted into the NFL.

Although initially figured to help mainly on special teams, he was immediately thrust into the starting lineup in the first preseason game against San Francisco when veteran safety Brian Dawkins was sidelined by an injury.

“I got some great opportunities in the preseason and now I’m ready to play wherever the coaches want me to,” David Jr. said.

“The great thing for me is that we’re opening in Cincinnati. It couldn’t have worked out any better. It’s so close to home, I know everybody’s going to be there.”

His dad and mom, Constance, will be tailgating outside the stadium beforehand. Hopefully, so too will be their other son, Kendrick, a tight end for the Miami RedHawks, who played Saturday night at Boise State.

David Sr. said nearly two dozen family members and friends will be at the game, including his son’s head coach at Miamisburg, Tim Lewis, and his wife.

“We’re going out to Denver next week for their opener, but I’ve got a problem,” David Sr. said in a voice that suddenly trailed off. “I’m not sure who I’m gonna pull for.’’

His son and the Broncos play his beloved Browns.

Contact this reporter  at (937) 225-2156 or tarchdeacon@DaytonDailyNews.com.

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