David Gusta—better known around the Bluegrass State as “Bone”—is the new force on Kentucky’s interior defensive front. A transfer from Washington State, Gusta brings with him a blend of California edge and polished SEC-bound power that has the Wildcats’ faithful buzzing.
What’s in a Name?
“Bone” isn’t just a nickname—it’s a warning. As Gusta jokes, “That happened at Washington State. I ended up getting a few teammates hurt.” That nickname reflects his bone-crushing style of play.
Why Gusta Stands Out
At 6‑3 and around 316–320 lbs, Gusta is bulldozing and lightning-quick at once. Offensive guard Josh Braun summed it up: “He’s one of the few interior D‑line players where you have to worry not only about his speed, but also his power. He walks the line between the two finely.”
In 2024 at Washington State, Gusta posted 21 tackles, 3 TFLs, a sack, and multiple pass deflections—earning a Pro Football Focus grade of 84.5, ranking him among the top-10 interior D‑linemen in the country. His career totals? 62 tackles, 6.0 TFLs, and 1.5 sacks.
Stepping into Big Shoes
With Deone Walker’s departure, Kentucky needed a new anchor in the trenches. Gusta stands to fill that enormous void with his disruptive presence, leadership, and ability to play multiple roles—three‑technique or 3‑4 shaded nose tackle.
Culture Shock—and Chicken Gains
Arriving from the West Coast, Gusta had some memorable firsts in Kentucky: cicadas, alligators, and chicken that’s apparently too good. He joked that he gained 15 pounds between arrival and spring practice, crediting fried chicken for part of it. Support from his wife Angie and his brother Devon (also on the team) helped ease the transition.
What Lies Ahead
Kentucky’s retooled defensive front now hinges on Gusta’s ability to deliver against SEC-level competition. His combination of power and explosiveness could reshape the way opponents approach the line of scrimmage.
Expect grit. Expect disruption. Expect “Bone” to deliver Kentucky’s trench dominance at a Glance
Category Details
Nickname Bone — earned for his physical, impactful play
Physicals 6′3″, ~316–320 lbs — low pad level, twitchy burst
2024 Stats 21 tackles, 3 TFLs, 1 sack, high PFF grade
Career Stats 62 tackles, 6.0 TFLs, 1.5 sacks
Why He Matters Replacing Deone Walker with muscle + speed combo
Whether he’s collapsing the pocket, eating up blockers, or chasing down ball‑carriers, David “Bone” Gusta has arrived in Lexington. If he plays anything like his nickname suggests, Kentucky’s defensive line may be about to crack some opponents in half this upcoming season.
