Amidst a flurry of fourth-round selections by the 49ers, they chose Louisville running back Isaac Guerendo with the No. 129 pick on Day 3 of the 2024 NFL Draft.
Guerendo had clearly caught the attention of running backs coach Bobby Turner throughout the draft process, who maintained regular communication and even attempted to contact Guerendo during his first media interview.
“He was really good about staying in touch, sending me texts and calling me throughout the process,” Guerendo noted. “He’s been fantastic through it all, and I’m looking forward to working with him.”
Standing at 6 feet tall and weighing 221 pounds, Guerendo will join Christian McCaffrey, Elijah Mitchell, and Jordan Mason in the running backs room, providing depth and kick return expertise. Mitchell is due to be a free agent in 2025, while Mason will become a restricted free agent.
Guerendo spent his initial four seasons at Wisconsin before transferring to Louisville, where he excelled. He accumulated 1,044 total yards from scrimmage, including 810 rushing yards on 132 carries, 11 touchdowns, and 22 receptions for 234 receiving yards.
Known for his physical style, Guerendo forced 31 missed tackles in his final college season, with 90 yards gained after contact. He acknowledges there’s still much to learn from Turner, who expects all his players to understand the responsibilities of each position on the field during every play.
“Last season, I worked on improving in that area,” Guerendo remarked. “I believe it gives you an edge and enables you to play faster. When you don’t have to overthink, you can react more quickly.”
“It’s crucial to absorb that knowledge, and I’m eager to begin working with him,” Guerendo emphasized.
Furthermore, Guerendo is thrilled about the opportunity to learn from the reigning Offensive Player of the Year, not just about on-field matters, but also regarding recovery techniques and film analysis. The fourth-round selection is hopeful of gleaning valuable insights from McCaffrey.
“Undoubtedly, he’s among the best backs,” Guerendo remarked. “I was just telling my family that I’ll probably be bombarding him with questions because of his incredible production and consistency.
“Being able to tap into the expertise of a top-tier back like him is immensely valuable, and it’s something I intend to do. I just hope he doesn’t get tired of my questions in the coming weeks.”
