Isaac Guerendo: From College Standout to NFL Hopeful
Isaac Guerendo, born on June 28, 2000, is an American professional football running back and kickoff returner currently playing for the San Francisco 49ers of the National Football League (NFL). His journey to the NFL is marked by a blend of athletic prowess and perseverance through college.
Early Life and High School Career
Born in Indianapolis, Indiana, to Mario and Jennifer Guerendo, Isaac Guerendo attended Avon High School in Avon, Indiana. Even early on, Guerendo showed promise, becoming a Big Ten recruit. Kyle Neddenriep noted in IndyStar in July 2017 that Guerendo was ascending from an unknown prospect to a Big Ten recruit. David Woods highlighted Guerendo's potential to achieve a feat at the state track meet that hadn't been accomplished in 105 years.
College Career
Wisconsin Badgers (2018-2022)
Guerendo initially committed to the Wisconsin Badgers, with Jason Galloway of the Wisconsin State Journal reporting in July 2017 that the speedy athlete was commitment No. 18 for Wisconsin. Jeff Potrykus of the Milwaukee State Journal also noted the two oral football commitments.
During his time at Wisconsin, Guerendo's career was marked by flashes of brilliance interspersed with challenges.
In September 2021, Nick Schultz of Saturday Tradition highlighted Guerendo's blazing speed on an 82-yard touchdown run. Jim Polzin of the Wisconsin State Journal noted that patience paid off for Isaac Guerendo.
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However, after the 2022 season, Guerendo entered the NCAA Transfer Portal. Nick Schultz of On3.com reported this in December 2022. Jeff Potrykus of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel noted that Braelon Allen was staying, but Isaac Guerendo was among three UW players planning to transfer.
Louisville Cardinals (2023)
Guerendo transferred to the University of Louisville for the 2023 season. Matthew McGavic of Sports Illustrated reported the transfer in January 2023. Ginny Boulton of Saturday Tradition noted Louisville's transfer commitment from the veteran Wisconsin RB. Tom Lane of WDRB highlighted that Guerendo added size and speed to Louisville's running backs room. Alexis Cubit of the Courier & Journal described Louisville's football game at Lucas Oil Stadium as a "surreal moment" for the Indiana native.
In November 2023, the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reported on Guerendo's game-winning 73-yard touchdown for Louisville. Derek Peterson of Saturday Out West noted takeaways from USC's Holiday Bowl victory over Louisville.
College Statistics
While specific statistics are available through Sports Reference game logs for each year (2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, and 2023), a summary of his overall performance showcases his versatility as a running back. His statistics reflect a player who contributed both in rushing and receiving roles, demonstrating his ability to impact the game in multiple ways.
NFL Draft and Career
2024 NFL Draft
Isaac Guerendo declared for the 2024 NFL Draft. Nick Schultz of On3.com and Matthew McGavic of Sports Illustrated reported this in January 2024.
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Leading up to the draft, his profile was available on NFL.com and DraftScout.com.
San Francisco 49ers
The San Francisco 49ers selected Isaac Guerendo in the fourth round of the 2024 NFL Draft. Matthew McGavic of SI.com reported this in April 2024.
In 2024, after injuries to running backs Christian McCaffrey and Jordan Mason, Guerendo had some playing time, making his debut in the Week 2 road loss to the Minnesota Vikings. Jack McKessy of USA TODAY reported on when Christian McCaffrey would return.
Player Evaluation
Isaac Guerendo is noted for his Explosive Play Rating (EPX), which is a comprehensive rating of a player's explosiveness, factoring in per-play efficiency and total volume of explosive plays created.
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