Isaac Guerendo made an impression during his 2024 rookie campaign, averaging five yards per carry while stepping up after injuries depleted the San Francisco 49ers' running back room. All-Pro Christian McCaffrey and veteran Jordan Mason were sidelined, and Guerendo capitalized on the opportunity. With Mason now a member of the Minnesota Vikings, Guerendo could play an even larger role in his second season.
McCaffrey believes the young back is ready for the challenge. On Tuesday, the veteran was asked to assess Guerendo's performance during his first NFL season.
"I thought it was great," McCaffrey said. "I thought, to watch how he grew throughout the season—a lot of times, as a back, just getting the reps is so valuable. But to see him in the meeting room and how he approaches the game, how hard he works, and how good he wants to be, he's definitely somebody that pushes the pace in the room, and I'm excited for him this year."
Guerendo showcased his versatility in his final two collegiate seasons, catching 39 passes for 349 yards and a touchdown. That included 234 receiving yards in 2023, his lone season at Louisville after transferring from Wisconsin.
"I think he has such a great skill set, such a versatile skill set, and that's something that [RB coach] Bobby [Turner]'s always harping is—be a complete back," McCaffrey continued. "And so, it's a great room for him to be in."
After being drafted, Guerendo said he planned to harass McCaffrey with questions, eager to absorb knowledge from one of the NFL's premier running backs.
"Obviously, he's one of the greatest backs," Guerendo said in April 2024. "I was just telling my family, I think that he's probably going to get annoyed with me and how many questions I'll ask him just because of the amount of production he has and continues to have and how consistent he is."
On Tuesday, McCaffrey laughed when reminded of the rookie's comments. But he explained why Guerendo's attention might be better focused elsewhere.
"Yeah, he definitely has [asked many questions]," McCaffrey said. "I think, for me, though, a lot of times, my answer is, 'I'm getting coached by the same guy you're getting coached by.' I learn just as much from Coach [Turner] in these meetings as they will.
"And they're being thrown so much information, and so, sometimes, more information as a back isn't always good. But I definitely give my two cents where I feel like it might be needed."
McCaffrey also noted that learning in the NFL isn't a one-way street. Veterans, too, can benefit from fresh perspectives.
"They're coming off of college, and the game evolves and does different things, so you can learn a lot from them, too," he said.