David Gusta’s high school football career began in Grand Terrace, California. After three seasons as a Titan, he transferred to Cajon High School for his Senior year, where he became one of the most disruptive Defensive Linemen in the region. In his Junior season, he recorded 62 tackles, 14 sacks, one fumble recovery and two forced fumbles, earning All-Sunkist League First Team honors and multiple three-star national ratings from recruiting services.
Gusta chose to begin his collegiate career at Washington State University, redshirting his Freshman season in 2021 to develop physically and mentally. Over four seasons with the Cougars, he appeared in 32 games with 24 starts, steadily becoming a consistent interior Defensive Lineman. His performance included solid production in tackles, quarterback pressures and run defense, cementing his reputation as a reliable and disruptive presence.
After four seasons at Washington State, Gusta entered the NCAA transfer portal and committed to the University of Kentucky for his final year of eligibility, in which his brother Devon is also on the team. It was a move that brought him into one of college football’s most challenging conferences. In 2025, with the Kentucky Wildcats, he started all 12 games and made 12 tackles with 3.0 tackles for loss, one sack, and three quarterback hurries.
In all, across his combined careers at Washington State and Kentucky, Gusta appeared in 44 games with 36 starts, totaling 74 career tackles, 9.0 tackles for loss and 2.5 sacks, which are numbers that reflect his consistent contribution to each defensive front he anchored.
Gusta’s versatility and production earned him an invitation to the East-West Shrine Bowl, a prestigious postseason all-star showcase that gives NFL scouts a close look at top college prospects. Representing Kentucky in Frisco, Texas, he joins other standout players on a national stage that could shape his professional future.
Career Snapshot
- High School: Grand Terrace HS; Cajon HS — All-Sunkist League First Team
- College: Washington State (2022-2024); Kentucky (2025)
- Games Played: 44 (36 starts)
- Tackles: 74
- Tackles for Loss: 9.0
- Sacks: 2.5
- 2025 (Kentucky): 12 tackles, 3.0 TFL, 1 sack, 3 QB hurries
High School Highlights:
Grand Terrace High School
David Gusta began building his foundation at Grand Terrace High School, where his size, strength, and work ethic quickly stood out. During his time as a Titan:
- Developed into a powerful interior lineman known for controlling the line of scrimmage.
- Showed early leadership and discipline, earning respect from teammates and coaches.
- Demonstrated consistent improvement each season, setting the stage for higher-level competition.
- Became a familiar presence on Friday nights in Grand Terrace, where his growth was evident year after year.
Cajon High School
After transferring to Cajon High School, Gusta emerged as one of the area’s most impactful Defensive Linemen:
- Recorded 62 tackles and 14 sacks during his Varsity-level season, prior to transfer recognition, along with two forced fumbles and one fumble recovery.
- Earned All-Sunkist League First Team honors.
- Rated as a three-star recruit by national scouting services.
- Became known for his ability to collapse the pocket, stop the run, and disrupt offenses consistently.
- Drew attention from Division I programs due to his motor, size, and football IQ.
These performances helped propel him to the collegiate level and set the trajectory for his Power Five career.
For the Grand Terrace community and surrounding cities who have watched his growth, David’s path stands as a powerful example of what can be achieved through hard work, resilience, and passion for the game.
The community will once again be watching, as Gusta heads to the NFL Scouting Combine, on February 26 and 27, in Indianapolis. Hosted annually at Lucas Oil Stadium, the Combine is one of the most critical pre-draft evaluation events in professional football. Invitations are extended to a select group of draft-eligible college athletes, giving them the opportunity to perform in front of NFL general managers, head coaches, scouts and team executives from all 32 franchises.
As Gusta prepares to showcase his strength, discipline, and development on one of football’s biggest evaluation stages, he carries with him the pride of Grand Terrace, Cajon High School, Washington State and Kentucky. For those of us who have followed his journey from local Friday nights to national college matchups, this next chapter represents both a milestone and a moment of reflection. It is proof that dedication and perseverance can open doors to the highest level of the sport.
David’s journey is still being written, but already it is one that inspires. From local fields to national showcases, his commitment and character have never wavered, and the community looks forward to what he accomplishes next.
And as Titan Mom Elvira, having photographed & cheered his early games and supported him throughout his journey, his Titan Fam Bam will proudly continue to cheer for him as he takes this important step toward his professional future. Once a Titan, always a Titan and our hometown hero, he will continue to make us proud. Best of luck to my Titan son, Gusta, because the best is yet to come.