2024 NFL Draft: Running back Isaac Guerendo picked by 49ers

Running back Isaac Guerendo, an Avon High School alum, was picked in the fourth round (129th overall) of the 2024 NFL Draft by the San Francisco 49ers.

Guerendo brings an intriguing background: He excelled as a receiver in high school (1,800 yards, 22 touchdowns) while also winning state track championships (100 meters, 4x100 relay).

Since then, Guerendo has gained about 30 pounds in his college career to come out at 225. Still, he thinks he’s shown that he’s still quick.

“When I did run 10.5 in high school, I’m at 195 pounds,” Guerendo said at the NFL Scouting Combine. “You put on 30 pounds, then you talk about, ‘OK, can he move the same?’ I think I can still move around fairly well.”

It's no surprise that NFL.com graded Guerendo with the highest "athleticism score" among all running backs.

In four years at Wisconsin, he played behind Jonathan Taylor and Braedon Allen. He transferred to Louisville for 2023.

Guerendo is the second Avon alum selected: Tackle Blake Fisher was picked in the second round by the Houston Texans.

Isaac Guerendo NFL Draft profile

Height: 6-0

Weight: 221 pounds

Hand: 9 1/4 inches

Strengths: Has power to break tackles; subtle lateral shifts to bounce around bodies through first two levels.

Weaknesses: Below-average explosiveness out of the gate; not used a lot as a receiver in college, but was in high school.

NFL.com prospect grade: 6.15 (good backup with starting potential)

NFL Scouting Combine results

40-yard dash: 4.33 seconds

10-yard split: 1.55 seconds

Vertical jump: 41.5 inches

Broad jump: 10 feet, 9 inches

3-cone drill: 6.94 seconds

20-yard shuttle: 4.15 seconds

Isaac Guerendo scouting reports

From NFL.com's Lance Zierlein: The transfer out of Wisconsin is an ascending running back prospect who was finally able to get enough carries to show what he's capable of. Guerendo is built like a prototypical Badger runner, with a thick, well-proportioned frame. He was a much more decisive runner in 2023, but his cut-and-go burst is fairly average. He's not sudden but runs with appropriate elusiveness, using subtle side-steps to continue the run's downhill momentum. He can catch it out of the backfield and protect his quarterback, making him a suitable three-down backup. Guerendo's size, skill set and demeanor are built for an NFL workload, and he could sneak into a bigger role in the future if he continues to progress.

From Next Pro Scouting: Isaac Guerendo is a promising running back prospect with the size, power, and versatility to make an impact in the NFL. His ability to contribute in the rushing attack and potentially in the passing game makes him a valuable asset for teams looking for a multifaceted back. His performance at Louisville and his decision to enter the draft could pay big dividends. Could be a mid-round steal.

Isaac Guerendo stats

Isaac Guerendo highlights

This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: NFL Draft 2024: Isaac Guerendo of Avon High School picked by 49ers