Kentucky defensive lineman David Gusta considers himself a “nerd” who enjoys playing scrabble and painting figurines. (Vicky Graff Photo)
New Mexico State transfer David Gusta could be Kentucky’s best defensive lineman and he certainly has provided a constant push in the middle for UK defensive coordinator Brad White. He has bench pressed 225 pounds 38 times at UK workouts, played almost 1,300 snaps at Washington State and got the nickname “Bone” from his former college teammates because he sometimes injured players in practice.
However, Gusta also considers himself a nerd, a description few SEC defensive lineman would use when talking about themselves.
“I am more of a nerd who was born athletic. After I’m done with football, I go home and paint my figurines. I have been collecting figurines since I was a little kid. I play Scrabble with my grandma,” Gusta, who tried last year to learn to play the piano, said. “When you have something like a hobby or something to keep you grounded, it definitely makes joy through football easier.”
It also makes sure pressure/expectations do not overwhelm Gusta, who hopes to play well enough this year against SEC competition to earn a chance to play in the NFL.
“When people ask me about the expectation aspect, I’m not really too stressed about it because expectations are only applied to yourself,” he said. “If you just go home and take a magnesium bath, you can just relax and then enjoy yourself.”
5 Responses
Gusta will get better and better as the year goes on. Coming from Washington state to the SEC is a major step up in competition. I just hope he exceeds expectations. He needs a couple of sacks. When lineman get sacks that's what the NFL wants to see. Deone Walker led Kentucky in sacks in 2023. That's unheard of for a lineman to lead the team in sacks. That's what got all the pro scouts drooling over Walker. Last year he only had 2-3 sacks and his stock went down big time. Yes he was hurt a couple of games but that's what killled his stock. If he would have repeated his production or gotten close he would have been a 1-2 round pick. If Gusta can muster at least 3-4 sacks this year he will get drafted. If the draft started now he would be a 6th-7th round pick. If he ups his production and causes some havoc plays he will be seen. I think he's capable of being a 3rd-4th round pick.
Awesome guy well described in an awesome article. I did not open this article initially and sure glad I finally looked at it.
He’s one lineman I’d like to meet and play a game of chess – not sure if I could beat him at scrabble if I’m having an off day but feel pretty good about chess since it seems he may not play it 🙂
UK will need big help in the trenches from a lot of guys with the big SEC games lined up.
You would love him LIttle Baron
He must be a refreshing joy to interview!
He definitely seems like a great guy and has a even better character. I think he has some big games ahead of him. I'm calling for a 1.5 or 2 sack game in the next couple of games. He has great takeoff on the line. He's strong and fast. I think he's 6'2" which is the perfect size for a defensive lineman. I'm not a fan of the 6'6" 340 pound defensive lineman or offensive lineman. It's like when a lineman weighs more than 320 it's hard for them to move around and the taller they are the worse it is because the offensive lineman can get lower so they get more push. I think offensive lineman should weigh between 290-320. Anything more than that just slows the guy down. I was looking at Notre Dames offensive lineman and the biggest one was 6'4 310 pounds. The average size was 6'2.5 295. So why do we always go after lineman who are 6'6 355 pounds. Guys that big can't move around. Maybe on run blocking but you have to have foot speed and heavy hands for the offensive line.
Anyways I still think Gusta, Grace, Saunders, and Gilbert can all have big years on the line. The Smith twins look much better this year as well.