Former Wisconsin running back Isaac Guerendo is in the NFL record books, at least for the time being.
The former Badger and Louisville Cardinal set the record for the longest dynamic kickoff return of the 2024 NFL preseason on Friday. Since the new return rules were implemented this year, his return of 93 yards is the longest.
Related: Every former Wisconsin Badger currently on an NFL roster entering 2024 training camp
The new NFL kickoff rules put the kicking team on the opposing 40-yard line, the receiving team on its 35-yard line and the returner inside his own 20. Nobody can move until the return man catches the ball, creating a much different dynamic than players blitzing down the field in the old model.
Guerendo is a perfect player to take advantage of the new play. His speed, vision and athleticism are all tested as the convergence of blockers and defenders creates a handoff-like situation.
Unfortunately, the former Badger was tripped up four yards before the goal line. Otherwise, a 97-yard return touchdown could have been in position to serve as the record for an extended time.
Isaac Guerendo takes the kickoff back 93 yards!
It's longest dynamic kickoff return of the preseason.
📺: #SFvsLV on @NFLNetwork
📱: Stream on #NFLPlus pic.twitter.com/qNWHGNtYZ8— NFL (@NFL) August 24, 2024
Guerendo was a fourth-round pick by the San Francisco 49ers in the 2024 NFL draft. He played for five years at Wisconsin (2018-2022) before transferring to Louisville after the 2022 season.
He never won the full-time job with the Badgers, mostly because of the emergence of Braelon Allen during the 2021 season. Wisconsin was never able to properly utilize his speed during his tenure with the program, speed which was on full display while rushing for 810 yards and 11 touchdowns in 2023 with the Cardinals.
The former Badger and Cardinal is a lock to make the 49ers roster as a depth option at running back. He was slow to progress during training camp due to an early injury. That is now in the past as demonstrated by his game-breaking play on kickoff return.
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