David “Bone” Gusta Embraces Life in the Bluegrass as California Native Experiences Eye-Opening Culture Shock While Adjusting to Football, Community, and New Identity at Kentucky
When David Gusta, better known by his nickname “Bone,” made the decision to leave Southern California and bring his football talents to the University of Kentucky, he knew he was stepping far outside of his comfort zone. The warm beaches and sprawling urban chaos of California would soon be replaced by rolling hills, slower-paced living, and the deeply embedded college football culture of the Bluegrass State. What he didn’t know — and what he’s now living in real time — is just how stark the contrast would be between his West Coast upbringing and his new life in Lexington. From food to fashion, lingo to locker room dynamics, Gusta’s transition has been defined by what he’s openly calling a “culture shock,” but it’s a shock he’s embracing with humility, humor, and the kind of resilience that coaches love to see in a player.
At first glance, Gusta — a highly recruited defensive lineman out of Southern California — might not have seemed like a natural fit for Kentucky. While the Wildcats have done a remarkable job recruiting nationally under head coach Mark Stoops, it’s not every day that they land a player from the other side of the country who’s never set foot in the South before committing. But Gusta was drawn not just to the opportunity on the field, but to the chance to challenge himself off it. Kentucky offered him something different, something raw and real. It offered structure. It offered tradition. It offered a fan base that lives and breathes the sport. That challenge, he believed, could mold him into something more than just a football player — it could mold him into a man.
Now, several months into his Kentucky journey, Gusta is starting to find his footing — but not without a few surprises along the way. The first thing that hit him, he said, was the pace of life. “Everything is slower here,” he remarked during a recent media availability. “Where I’m from, it’s fast — everybody’s moving, everybody’s on something. Here, people take their time. They say hi to you. They ask how your family is. It’s different. But it’s good.” That difference has forced Gusta to slow down himself — to become more present, more engaged in his surroundings, more in tune with the details that matter both on and off the field.
Food has also been a major adjustment for the young lineman. Southern California’s cuisine is famously diverse and health-conscious — a blend of street tacos, sushi, kale smoothies, and everything in between. Kentucky, on the other hand, has its own deep culinary identity rooted in tradition. “Man, I had fried catfish and collard greens for the first time here,” Gusta laughed. “I didn’t even know what collard greens were. It was good, but it was different. Everything’s heavier. They love their barbecue, their sweet tea. I’m learning.” Gusta’s teammates have taken it upon themselves to introduce him to local staples, and while he’s still adapting, he admits he’s already developed a soft spot for biscuits and gravy.
But the real adjustment hasn’t just been about geography or food. It’s been about football — and expectations. In California, football is often just one piece of a larger lifestyle. Players juggle camps, seven-on-seven showcases, media attention, and the influence of Hollywood proximity. In Kentucky, football is the lifestyle. The fan base is passionate, loyal, and deeply informed. They don’t just watch the games — they live them. And for a player like Gusta, that intensity is both intimidating and inspiring. “People here really care,” he said. “They know your name, your number, where you went to high school. That means something. You can’t hide. You have to show up every day and be about your business.”
That realization has brought out a new edge in Gusta. Coaches say he’s attacking practices with a renewed sense of purpose, fueled in part by the knowledge that every rep, every snap, and every detail is being watched — not just by his position coach, but by an entire community that rides the emotional highs and lows of every season. Defensive coordinator Brad White has spoken highly of Gusta’s progress, noting that while there are still areas to refine in his game, the young lineman is showing signs of becoming a player who can contribute meaningfully in the defensive rotation. His size, athleticism, and motor have always been there — it’s his understanding of the scheme, his pad level, and his consistency that are now catching up.
Off the field, Gusta’s personality is beginning to shine. While he arrived as a bit of an outsider — a big-city kid in a small Southern state — his humility and sense of humor have helped him win over teammates quickly. He’s known in the locker room for his laid-back vibe and his willingness to laugh at himself, especially when it comes to the inevitable culture clashes that arise. Whether it’s not understanding certain Southern slang, reacting to Kentucky’s unpredictable weather, or adjusting to early-morning workouts with biscuits in his stomach instead of protein shakes, Gusta has become something of a fan favorite among players and staff alike.
Still, the transition hasn’t been without challenges. Gusta admits that homesickness hits harder than he expected. He misses his family, his friends, the beach. “There’s no ocean here, man,” he joked, but then added more seriously, “It’s not easy being far from home. But I’m here for a reason. I’ve got goals. And I know I’m growing because of it.” That perspective, coaches say, is what separates Gusta from other first-year players. He’s not just chasing stats or NFL dreams. He’s trying to build something — to become something. And that mindset, they believe, will serve him well in the long run.
Kentucky fans are starting to take notice too. Though he has yet to play a snap in a real game, Gusta’s name has already started circulating among those who follow recruiting and practice reports closely. They’re intrigued by his potential, his energy, and the unique story he brings to a program that’s increasingly willing to go national in its talent search. If he can continue progressing through Fall Camp and carve out a role in the defensive line rotation, there’s a very real chance he’ll become a key contributor this season — not just in terms of production, but in personality and presence.
What’s most exciting about Gusta’s journey isn’t just the football, though. It’s the story of transformation. In an era where many young athletes stay close to home or transfer quickly when things get tough, Gusta’s decision to challenge himself by choosing Kentucky is rare — and admirable. He’s immersing himself in a completely new environment, absorbing lessons from his coaches, adapting to a culture that’s foreign to him, and doing so with both grit and grace. He’s showing that growth comes not from comfort, but from discomfort. And in that discomfort, he’s discovering parts of himself he didn’t know existed.
As the season draws nearer, Gusta’s role will continue to evolve. Whether he becomes a starter or remains a rotational player, his impact on the program is already being felt. He’s proof that talent can come from anywhere, and that success at Kentucky isn’t about where you’re from — it’s about what you’re made of. For David “Bone” Gusta, that means toughness, adaptability, and heart. And maybe, just maybe, a newfound love for sweet tea and Southern hospitality.
He’s still California at his core — laid back, stylish, and confident. But with every practice, every team meeting, every Kentucky sunrise, he’s becoming something else too: a Wildcat. And that transformation, however shocking it may have been at first, is now beginning to feel like home.
