INGLEWOOD, Calif. (AP) — Fred Warner has embodied the San Francisco 49ers and their hard-hitting defensive style to Puka Nacua for the Rams receiver's entire adult life.

That's because Nacua was still in high school when he first got to know Warner, who played three seasons at BYU alongside Kai Nacua — the older brother of Los Angeles' star wideout — before he joined the Niners to begin a career that's now in its eighth season.

With the latest edition of this lively California rivalry kicking off Thursday night, Nacua knows he might have to take some punishment from the four-time All-Pro linebacker to keep the Rams (3-1) on their hot start.

The NFL's leading receiver welcomes the challenge and the competition whenever he faces Warner and the 49ers (3-1) .

“For me, it takes me back

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