Puka Nacua has spent three NFL seasons tormenting defensive backs, but one San Francisco 49ers star apparently makes him reconsider the wisdom of crossing routes.

During an appearance on Logan Paul and Mike Majlak’s “Impaulsive” podcast, the Los Angeles Rams receiver named Fred Warner the best defender he has faced — and said the middle of the field was akin to Warner’s private haunted house.

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“There’s nobody that covers that much space,” Nacua said. “It’s scary. The middle of the field is terrible.”

Puka Nacua named San Francisco 49ers’ Fred Warner (right) as one of the most intimidating NFL players he has faced. AP

Nacua recalled running a route without receiving the ball, only to discover Warner waiting beside him with an explanation.

“He’s like, ‘I knew exactly where you’re going,’” Nacua said. “Dude, I swear, when I started the play, you’re on the left sideline, and now you’re right here standing next to me.”

Warner’s response was not especially comforting: “That’s just what I do.”

Most linebackers pursue receivers. Warner apparently materializes beside them.

The four-time All-Pro’s combination of speed, anticipation and coverage ability has made him the NFL’s premier linebacker. Coaches and executives recently ranked Warner first at the position despite a broken and dislocated ankle limiting him to six games last season.

“There’s nobody that covers that much space,” Nacua said. “It’s scary. The middle of the field is terrible.” AP

Nacua’s fear comes with an important disclaimer: Warner has not exactly ruined his NFC West experience.

Across four games with Warner on the field, Nacua caught 34 of 43 targets for 357 yards and two touchdowns. Warner was credited as Nacua’s primary defender on only two of those targets, allowing one seven-yard reception.

So Nacua has shredded the 49ers collectively while largely avoiding a direct appointment with the monster in the middle.

“Fred, I kind of hate you,” Nacua recalled telling Warner. “We’re supposed to not like each other, but I also enjoy watching you play.” AP

The rivalry also contains an awkward personal connection. Warner played at BYU with Nacua’s older brother, Kai, leaving Puka caught between family familiarity and divisional obligation.

“Fred, I kind of hate you,” Nacua recalled telling Warner. “We’re supposed to not like each other, but I also enjoy watching you play.”

That sounds less like trash talk and more like a frightened Yelp review: “Terrible experience. Five stars. Would reluctantly cross the middle again.”

Across four games with Warner on the field, Nacua caught 34 of 43 targets for 357 yards and two touchdowns. AP Photo/Jeff Chiu

The two stars could renew their rivalry when the 49ers and Rams open the season in Melbourne. Warner is healthy and participating fully in training camp, while Nacua recently left a joint practice with minor groin soreness.

Nacua could also face NFL discipline stemming from offseason allegations, although the league has not announced a decision. His attorney has denied the claims against him.

If Nacua plays, San Francisco will again face one of the league’s most productive receivers. He led the NFL with 129 receptions and 10 receiving touchdowns last season while finishing second with 1,715 yards.

Those numbers suggest Nacua is not afraid of much.

But when he enters Warner’s territory, he apparently checks beneath the bed — and on both sidelines — before running his route.

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