Rookie running back Isaac Guerendo, sporting No. 31, has turned heads with his explosive burst out of the backfield and ability to shift into another gear downfield. His playing style has drawn comparisons to former San Francisco 49ers running back Raheem Mostert, who excelled in Kyle Shanahan's offense with similar speed and playmaking ability.
Even 49ers general manager John Lynch sees the resemblance. During an appearance on Bay Area radio station KNBR Friday morning, Lynch praised Guerendo and reflected on the traits that reminded him of Mostert.
"Isaac Guerendo is a guy that, we talk a lot about consensus and conviction guys around the draft, and he was a guy that really gained steam between our personnel staff, our coaches, our research and development staff," Lynch said. "He's very reminiscent of—I hate to make comparisons too soon—but from their number to their running style to their all-out speed, he's very similar to Raheem Mostert."
Guerendo will make his first NFL start on Sunday against the Chicago Bears after Christian McCaffrey and Jordan Mason suffered injuries against the Buffalo Bills that will likely sideline them for the remainder of the season.
"Isaac has made contributions for us already," Lynch shared. "We saw him closing the game out up in Seattle. He had a touchdown last week in Buffalo. He's a 225-pound guy that can really run, and he sees the field pretty well. So he's going to get more opportunities now, more carries, more catches, and I'm excited to see what he can do with that."
The 49ers are confident that Guerendo is ready to step into a more prominent role and carry the load on offense.
"Now, he's going to get his opportunity, and I believe he can run like a starting back," Shanahan said on Thursday. "That's what I expect from him. He's done it in the times that he's gotten it this year, and he's going to have five games to do this.
"I think he'll get better as he goes. And hopefully, this can be something he really takes advantage of and leads him into being a better player next year for us also."
With a larger spotlight on him this week, Guerendo will have the opportunity to showcase his abilities in a must-win showdown at Levi's Stadium.
Lynch added, "Isaac's a really intent kid that takes his craft very seriously, and obviously, extremely talented."
You can listen to Lynch's entire interview below.