He was called “one of the all-time greats” by Zach Toothman, his track coach at Avon High School back in 2018. He won four school records and was part of the relay that owned the fifth-fastest time in Indiana history.
These days, however, most know Isaac Guerendo as No. 31, a running back entering his second year with the San Francisco 49ers this fall.
Many would say they’re not surprised. Even seven years ago, Guerendo was named Indiana’s Mr. Football Wide Receiver and was included in All-State Top 50, All-Conference, All-County and the Indy Super Team.
He was a track and football star, and many were watching to see what Guerendo would do next.
Back then, Guerendo’s mother said his personality is what people were drawn to.
“We are most proud of how caring he is toward others,” Jennifer said. “He has a lot of special gifts and talents, yet he’s so humble. He’s always been a super loyal friend with good morals. He’s mature for his age and thoughtful.”
Graduating from Avon High School in 2018, Guerendo had his pick of colleges and signed a full-ride scholarship for football with Big Ten Champions, the University of Wisconsin.
“I played in Wisconsin for four years, and after graduating, I transferred to the University of Louisville for one year. From there, I was drafted to the 49ers,” Guerendo said.
He remembers the day well.
“It was a dream come true to see my name on the list and receive that call. Obviously, I was feeling good and blessed to be in that position. I had told myself I wouldn’t get emotional either way. But when it happens, there’s a whole lot of emotions there. It’s like all the work leading up to that point … it’s a special moment,” Guerendo said.
Though he’s still a fan of track, Guerendo said there was just something about football that kept him coming back.
“There’s a bond on the football field; a brotherhood. I’ve built lifelong friendships through that and just the team atmosphere and chemistry you build through football … there’s nothing better than that,” Guerendo said.
Just entering his second year with the 49ers, he’s still learning the ropes and developing as an athlete. Last season presented some challenges for the team, but overall, Guerendo is happy with his first season.
“I think it went well. I had an opportunity to get on the field toward the end of the season due to some unfortunate injuries to other guys. You don’t ever want your success to come from other people getting hurt, but at the same time, it allowed me to showcase some of my abilities, which was really exciting,” Guerendo said. “It’s a good confidence builder, and I was able to prove to myself that I’m capable of playing at the highest level.”
He said that among so many talented athletes and only one running back on the field, the mind game is often more difficult to overcome than physical practices and recoveries.
“You have to continually remind yourself that you’re there for a reason and rebuild that confidence. This season, I was able to do that,” Guerendo said.
Those practices and recovery times are another way to keep a good mindset throughout the offseasons.
“At the pro level, they do a great job of balancing our schedules and workload. We might have a few hours of training, but it’s not always lifting or running. That’s one thing I had to learn. Young people, myself included, often neglect the recovery portion of practice, whether that be stretching or icing,” Guerendo said. “You might have two hours of practice and another two hours of recovery. They take good care of us and try to put us in a good position to not get hurt.”
This fall, Guerendo is confident he’ll have an expanded role on the team, and he’s working hard to get there.
“You do have to prove yourself every day. There’s not a lot of job security, so you come to work each day and have passion for the sport and give it your best every day,” Guerendo said. “If you don’t prove yourself, this is a business; they can find someone else to get the job done at the end of the day.”
Looking back, the NFL player can see the steps taken and the people who were in his corner all along, leading him to where he is today.
Coach Mark Bless had a vision for him and helped lead the way in his football career, creating a strong high school senior year.
College coaches helped him build confidence and hone his skill for the pros.
Most of all, his parents knew from a very early age Guerendo was destined for greatness.
“I think a lot of it was my parents seeing ability and potential in me at a very young age. It can be hard. When you get to a certain age, you’re watching the guys out riding bikes and enjoying the summer, and even though you love sports, it’s hard to stay disciplined as a kid,” Guerendo said. “My parents pushed me in the best way to do those things, so I was a step ahead. I think it’s important to find those people that have faith in you, that believe in you when you can’t see it in yourself.”
