By BOB SHRALUKA
WZBD.com
Isaac Guerendo, who dazzled pro scouts at the recent NFL Combine, on Saturday became a San Francisco 49er.
Guerendo – who has direct ties to Adams County – was drafted in the fourth round of the draft on Saturday, the 129 selection of the annual event which began Thursday.
Guerendo’s mother, the former Jennifer Smitley, is a South Adams High School graduate. His grandmother, Jana, lives just outside Geneva with her husband, Bob Shaffer.
The Shaffers, along with other family members, viewed the draft at a watch party in Atlanta
Shortly after being chosen, Guerendo received a call from 49ers CEO Jed York, General Manager John Lynch, and Coach Kyle Shanahan.
“You came to the right team. We appreciate what you do,” Shanahan told Guerendo. “We love your style and how you run … It doesn’t matter when you go, it’s where you go.”
Guerendo graduated from a suburban Indianapolis high school, Avon, where was a candidate for the Mr. Football award and was a state track champion.
The 6-1, 221-pounder was a surprise at the combine, racking up impressive stats. He had been mostly an unknown, having spent much of his four years at Wisconsin battling various injuries. While at Wisconsin, though, he did earn his degree.
He transferred to Louisville for a fifth season and became one of the team’s top running backs.