By Larry Vaught
(LEXINGTON, Ky.)-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.”
(Vicky Graff Photo)