NFL Combine Spotlight: David Gusta Shines in Indianapolis
The NFL Combine kicked off with a bang, and a former Kentucky Wildcat made sure his presence was felt on day one. Defensive linemen were the stars of the show, and among them, David Gusta stood out with a performance that had scouts buzzing.
Starting with the EDGE players, former Texas Tech standout David Bailey turned heads with a blistering 4.5-second 40-yard dash at 251 pounds. That’s a pace that screams potential at the professional level.
But it was Gusta, a 308-pound defensive tackle, who matched that energy with his own impressive display. Gusta clocked a 4.88 in the 40-yard dash, ranking him fifth among his peers at the position.
His explosive start was even more noteworthy, covering the first 10 yards in just 1.68 seconds-the second-fastest for a defensive tackle.
Gusta didn’t stop there. He also showcased his athleticism with a 32-inch vertical leap, landing him in the top 10 among defensive tackles. Not bad for a player who needed to prove his mettle at the Combine.
Having transferred from Washington State, Gusta brought reliability to Kentucky’s defensive front. Although he didn’t dominate the headlines, his consistent performance in the trenches was invaluable.
Standing out at the Combine was crucial for him, given his less-than-ideal size for the position. But his tape already hinted at an explosive interior force, and his Combine numbers only strengthened that narrative.
With this showing, Gusta has positioned himself as a strong contender for a day three selection in the upcoming NFL Draft.
Originally from San Bernardino, California, Gusta was a stalwart for Kentucky, starting all 12 games in 2025. His stat line included 12 tackles, 3.0 tackles for loss, a sack, and three quarterback hurries. Over his college career, he amassed 74 tackles, 9.0 TFLs, and 2.5 sacks in 44 appearances, including 36 starts.
While Friday promises a quieter day at the Combine, excitement will ramp up again on Saturday. Former Wildcats Kendrick Law and Seth McGowan are set to take the field when quarterbacks connect with wide receivers and running backs. Coverage on NFL Network begins at 1 PM ET, so tune in for more Wildcat action.
Stay tuned for more insights and updates on your favorite Kentucky players.