November 9, 2024 • 21 mins
San Francisco 49ers running back Isaac Guerendo joined the 49ers “You’ve Got Mail” podcast presented by Delta Dental to discuss his journey to the pros, the early contributions of the rookie class and answer fan submitted questions.
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Speaker 1 (00:00):
What's up, faithful, Welcome to the forty nine ers You've
got Mail Podcasts presented by Delta Dental. Today, we are
joined by a very special guest, rookie running back Isaac Garndo.
Speaker 2 (00:10):
Isaac, welcome to the show.
Speaker 3 (00:11):
Appreciate you, thank you for having.
Speaker 2 (00:13):
You were saying not a big.
Speaker 3 (00:14):
Podcaster, No not not not very Do you.
Speaker 1 (00:17):
Have a number of podcasts you've appeared on so far?
Is this the first one one? Okay, we got a
special podcast debut by Isaac Greddo today. So, Isaac, ten
weeks into the NFL season, what is life in the
pros like?
Speaker 4 (00:34):
Honestly, you know, it's been great. I don't think I
don't think I could have landed out a better spot. So,
you know, just just all around, you know, the environment,
from you know, the players to the coaches, it's been amazing.
Speaker 1 (00:48):
What has been the biggest transition from playing at the
college level to now being.
Speaker 2 (00:53):
In the league.
Speaker 4 (00:55):
Biggest transition, Uh, I think biggest transition positively, you know,
just no school work. Oh my goodness. That that's a
that's a blessing. But uh, I would say, you know,
just the speed of the game. It definitely picks up
a little bit. You know, you talk about guys. You know,
you're you're you're here on the field with the best
of the best, so you know, you really got to
(01:15):
be on your stuff. You know, make sure you're detailed
with your work. And you know, I think that's that's
one thing I learned.
Speaker 2 (01:20):
You touched upon a little bit of your college experience.
No more school works. So we're happy about that.
Speaker 3 (01:25):
Love it.
Speaker 2 (01:26):
But you actually split.
Speaker 1 (01:27):
Your college career between the University of Wisconsin and then
later went to Louisville. So about your journey in college,
you know, what was the decision to play at two
different schools, two different programs.
Speaker 4 (01:41):
So for me, you know why when I decided to
enter the transfer portal, you know, starting with Wisconsin, Uh,
you know, I had a little bit of injury history
like when I was young and then you know, as
well as being a receiver in high school, made that
transition to running back when I got to Wisconsin, which
you know, for me, I saw opportunity because you Wisconsin
at the time, we were running the ball probably seventy
(02:02):
times again, so you know, you can't go wrong with that.
But so like it was really a development thing for me,
you know, making that transition. But you know, when you're out,
you know, you can't really you know, build that confidence.
So you know, when I got to those like last
couple of years at Wisconsin, you know, I was starting
to get in a rhythm in the twenty twenty two
(02:25):
season and then you know, we just we just had
a deep backfield. So you know, I made the decision
to go to Louisville and you know, just just be
at a place where I can get a little bit
more opportunity. So that's really what I went into that decision.
Speaker 1 (02:38):
One interesting fact a lot of people may not know
about you is that part of that deep backfield is
Jonathan Taylor, and he is now a mentor to you,
even now you talk about still texting him now and then.
Speaker 2 (02:51):
So how did that relationship develop?
Speaker 4 (02:54):
You know, it was really obviously when I made that transition,
you know, he was you know with him he was
only a year older than me. But you know, he
did a good job, you know, just taking me under
his wing, and you know, with us both being kind
of speed guys, you know, it was it kind of
made it easier and all it's like I'm just gonna replicate,
you know, everything he does, but you know he was.
(03:15):
He's been a great mentor you know, throughout the whole process,
you know, as far as you know, just being there
whenever I had questions or anything like that, and then
you know, still being there if I have questions now,
So you know, it was it was an enjoyment to
have him.
Speaker 2 (03:28):
How often do you talk to him now that you're
both in the league.
Speaker 4 (03:32):
You know, obviously we both have busy schedules, but you know,
I'll text him here and there. You know he does
the same, So I appreciate him for that.
Speaker 1 (03:39):
You spoke about replicating just everything that he did. Does
that mean the way he prepped for games, some of
his skill set on the field.
Speaker 2 (03:49):
Was it a little bit of everything?
Speaker 4 (03:50):
Yeah, you know it was a little bit of everything.
You know, there was there was points, you know where
a whole recovery playing everything he's doing, I'm doing.
Speaker 3 (03:58):
But you know it also work for me.
Speaker 4 (04:00):
So you know, I was like, you know, with the
amount of success that he's having, you know, I'm like
following him.
Speaker 3 (04:06):
I can't go wrong.
Speaker 2 (04:07):
So what's the best piece of advice he handed down
to you?
Speaker 4 (04:13):
Honestly, best piece of advice he handed to me was
you know you have speed, so use it, you know,
I mean with a guy like that being fast as well. Uh,
you know, I think that was that was a big thing.
Speaker 1 (04:23):
You know.
Speaker 4 (04:24):
I think there was a lot of hesitation early on,
but you know I was able to figure that out
a little bit. So then you know, you know, whenever
I do see a seam or something, you know, I
was able to hit it.
Speaker 1 (04:34):
You also spoke about this earlier in the season, but
only one start in your six seasons at the college level.
How do you think playing behind those very deep backfields
has helped you now that you're in the league.
Speaker 4 (04:48):
You know, I think it's it's honestly prepared me mentally
for you know, when that situation does happen. You know,
obviously being a part of a great room right now,
you know, this is like.
Speaker 3 (04:59):
A similar situation.
Speaker 4 (05:00):
More of this like a you know, whenever your numbers called,
you know you're you're ready for it. So you know,
I also like to use it just like as a
as a motivational piece, you know, even even for just
like for youth, you know, telling them them that, you know,
to to keep them motivated, you know, from you know,
high school to college to you know, if they make
the transition to the pros. It's an awesome story to
(05:23):
tell because you know it's not something that you you
really hear of a lot. And then you know, being
able to be blessed enough to get drafted as well.
You know, I think that's that's something that I really
hold on to.
Speaker 1 (05:33):
You get drafted in April and you come to, like
you mentioned a running back room that's got Christian McCaffrey,
Elijah Mitchell, Jordan Mason, When did you expect to see
playing time for the first time your rookie season.
Speaker 4 (05:46):
You know, I wouldn't really say there was a specific
time that I expected it. You know, I always give
a credit to coach Turner for preparing everybody uh the same,
you know, as if they're going to start that game. So,
you know, I think that's what allowed me to be
be ready. You know, whenever whenever my number is called,
you're part of.
Speaker 1 (06:02):
A rookie class that up to this point in the season,
my colleague at ESPN's Nick Wagner, has jotted all this down.
Your rookie class has had seventeen almost seventeen hundred snaps.
That's almost the exact amount that the rookie class had
last season. So contributing a lot for you four games
with five carries or more, what has prepared you for
(06:25):
that big moment?
Speaker 4 (06:27):
You know, honestly to start, that's exciting, you know, I
think just the talent with those guys coming in. You know,
that's an exciting stat that I haven't heard, but you know,
just kind of kind of going back to Coach Turner,
you know, even in the pre draft process. You know,
my situation was, you know, like none other. I feel like,
you know, with a lot of people, you know, including
(06:49):
you know, Jonathan Taylor. You know I kind of talked
to him in the pre draft process, you know, talking
about you know, landing spots and you know how many
times he talked to the Colds before he ended up there.
So you know, I talked to coach t a lot
in the in the process, you know, and you know
I was able to learn something from him before actually
landing here. So you know, it kind of kind of
(07:10):
worked out. You know, a team that believed in me,
you know even before you know, they saw me run
a decent forty at the combine, So you know, I
think that was you know, something that made me feel
a lot more comfortable, you know, when I did did
end up here, So you know, I was excited about that.
Speaker 1 (07:25):
You mentioned the combine freak measurables really fastest forty amongst
running backs, also the highest vertical.
Speaker 2 (07:34):
Did you expect to put up.
Speaker 1 (07:35):
Those numbers, Like, were you seeing those in your testing
prior as you were getting ready?
Speaker 4 (07:40):
Yeah, I mean I think a lot of it, especially
you know, going from you know, playing in the Holiday Bowl,
playing USC and then making that transition. You know, there's
definitely like a little hump you have to get over
because you know, training for the combine, you know, combine
prep in general is way different than you know, what
you were doing in the season, So you know, it
(08:01):
took took a little bit of time. But you know,
I think the exciting thing about it was, you know
a lot of people kind of undershot my forty. So
I was like, I use that as a positive. I'm like,
I mean, if you think I'm going to run in
four six, I was like, I know, I'm not going
to run that, So you know, all I could do
is boost my boost myself at that point. So that
was kind of the mentality with that.
Speaker 1 (08:19):
You finished running that forty and what's the first thought
that goes through mind? Did you look immediately up or
did you know just off of how you ran? Like, yeah,
I went really fast.
Speaker 3 (08:29):
You know, it felt good.
Speaker 4 (08:31):
I think that's the unfortunate thing about the first forty
is you know, you can't see the time.
Speaker 3 (08:36):
So I'm going back. I'm like, well, I'm like, what
was it.
Speaker 4 (08:38):
I had a couple of dudes that I trained with
shout out X three for forgetting me right Jordan, But.
Speaker 3 (08:47):
Yeah, I went right back. I was like, I was like,
did you see what the time was?
Speaker 4 (08:51):
I think it was actually like you looked up on
the screen and you know they had showed like certain
coaches or whatever, and you know the TVs like that
they're watching. They haven't but like the big screen doesn't
have like the time on it. So they had seen
it on there and they let me know it was
like a four three three, And then you know, I'm
getting text from my coach. He's like you better not
run again. It's like, there's no point. I mean so,
(09:12):
but nah, it was exciting. I felt good about it.
Speaker 2 (09:15):
After you're done running that forty, are you completely gassed?
Speaker 3 (09:19):
No? I think it was more just like an adrenaline.
Speaker 4 (09:21):
I go like, that was a good, good time to
put out, So I was like, you know, I felt
felt confident about it.
Speaker 1 (09:26):
So I was happy that speed has been on display
multiple times here with the forty nine ers, including in
that Seahawks seventy six yard run. I think you know
where I'm going with.
Speaker 3 (09:37):
Oh yeah, I do.
Speaker 1 (09:38):
The internet wants to know was it a strategic slide
or were you tackled?
Speaker 4 (09:43):
It was definitely a strategic slide. I think now, you know,
putting two on tape, you can compare the two and
they look very similar. But I think another thing that
I've learned over the amount of time that I played
football is if I'm gonna look back, I'm not going
to be at my fastest. So I mean for me
to look back for fifteen yards, I don't. I mean,
(10:05):
it just doesn't sound right. And then you talk about
falling backwards. I've never seen somebody get tackle from behind
and fallow the way I did.
Speaker 3 (10:13):
That's just me.
Speaker 4 (10:14):
But you know, maybe I'm wrong. If you guys can
find something, let me know. But but yeah, no, it
was definitely a strategic size. Some people still don't believe it,
but you know, I know what I was.
Speaker 1 (10:23):
Doing, so had a little bit of a delayed gratification.
You get another long run against the Cowboys and then
finally gets punching on a separate play your first touchdown.
What is the feeling of finding the end zone for
the first time as a rookie?
Speaker 3 (10:38):
Oh?
Speaker 4 (10:39):
Man, I mean, especially after the Seattle game, you know,
having to give that one up, it felt great, you know,
like I said, you know, just being a part of
this team and you know, being able to contribute in
a game like that was.
Speaker 3 (10:52):
You know, the most exciting thing.
Speaker 4 (10:54):
So you know, it felt amazing being able to be
out there and score the first.
Speaker 1 (10:59):
One mentioned seventeen seventeen hundred snaps for those for the
entire rookie class. When you see Dominic Pooney really be
that first young guy to get the opportunity, how did
that kind of set the tone or the bar for
the rest of the rookie class.
Speaker 4 (11:13):
You know, honestly, I was. I was really excited for him.
You know, he's the amount of talent he has is incredible,
So you know, obviously it's just motivation.
Speaker 3 (11:22):
You know.
Speaker 4 (11:22):
It's like, you know, as a rookie, you know you
have that mindset of you know, I want to contribute
as well, so you know, having that motivation, you know,
a guy and got to chase you know, obviously we're
all different positions, but you know it was exciting and
but you know seeing out him out there, you know,
having the success that he's having is exciting.
Speaker 1 (11:42):
And you know how close is that rookie class? You
guys all come in together a lot of programming, So yeah,
what are the personalities and how close has everyone gotten?
Speaker 3 (11:51):
No, We're we're all close.
Speaker 4 (11:52):
I mean I think we we mesh real well, you know,
it's it's it's been amazing, you know, I mean you
talk about them the time that we've spent together from
you know, rookie rookie Minnie camp to t O t
As to.
Speaker 3 (12:06):
Now, It's it's been awesome. It's a great group of guys.
Speaker 1 (12:09):
Is there anyone in particular that you've bonded with has
really become a best friend over this time?
Speaker 4 (12:15):
Honestly, like, honestly, everybody, I think we we all mess.
Speaker 1 (12:18):
You know.
Speaker 4 (12:19):
It's there's not one guy that you know, I couldn't
have a great conversation with, so uh No, I think
it's it's really just been everybody.
Speaker 1 (12:26):
What has been your welcome to the NFL moment if
you've had it yet as a rookie. I know one example,
I like to point to his malic just kind of
poking a little fun at himself.
Speaker 2 (12:37):
Against the Chiefs. Have you had a similar moment?
Speaker 3 (12:40):
Oh?
Speaker 4 (12:41):
Man, I think it's I think it's yet to come.
I think I think it's still going to be out
there because I mean when you talk about welcome to
the NFL, I think it's something that.
Speaker 3 (12:50):
That really sticks out. So I think I think I'm
still waiting for me.
Speaker 1 (12:55):
And then what has been the biggest learning lesson that
you've had thus far?
Speaker 4 (12:58):
Then I would say for me, you know, just talking
talking football wise, is uh, you know, just just being
able to trust myself.
Speaker 3 (13:09):
You know.
Speaker 4 (13:09):
I think you know, if you if you don't trust
trust yourself, you know you're gonna you're gonna limit your ability.
So you know, I kind of just told myself, you know,
I just did a little bit of uh a self
reflection before before one of the games, and I was
just like, just go out there, have have fun with it.
Like you know, you were blessed enough to get this,
uh this opportunity, so you know, take advantage of it.
So I think that's one thing that's that's helped me
(13:31):
and you know, I'm going to continue moving forward.
Speaker 1 (13:34):
At one point throughout this year, did the game start
to kind of slow down? Like you mentioned, you gave
yourself a moment and then you really did start to
trust yourself.
Speaker 4 (13:43):
Yeah, I mean I would definitely say it was was
before that Seattle game. I think it definitely started to
click a little bit for me. And you know, I
feel like I was playing like more so like myself.
You know, I think, you know, before then, I was
a little hesitant, and you know, I think that game
I really was able to just cut it loose.
Speaker 1 (14:02):
And I know Christian McCaffery obviously hasn't been playing this
first half of this season, but how has he become
a mentor for you?
Speaker 2 (14:09):
Just being in that running.
Speaker 4 (14:10):
Rec room, you know, having a conversation with him early on,
you know, once once he got back, uh, you know,
he just let me know, he was like, hey, if
you ever need anything, if you ever have a question,
let me know, Like, don't feel like you can't ask
me that.
Speaker 3 (14:23):
And then you know, Juice Juice has been the same way.
Speaker 4 (14:26):
But everybody in that room has been great and you
know I've been able to do that, just ask ask
questions to all of them, guys that have have been around,
you know, guys that have learned things. So you know,
that's why I enjoy that room so much. You know,
I can, I can ask questions to all of them.
But you know, Christian has done done a great job
just mentoring everybody, you know, even even while not being
(14:48):
out there, you know, just still having that same energy
has been nice.
Speaker 1 (14:52):
So off the field, you mentioned coming off this bye week,
you decided not to go anywhere with the time off.
How did you prioritize is that recovery during the days
you did have off.
Speaker 4 (15:05):
So I mean, that's the crazy thing. Even when I
did have time off, you know, I was in here,
uh you know, getting a little bit of extra recovery,
and you know, but at the same time, you know,
just being able to go home, kick my feet up
a little bit and just relax. I did visit downtown
San Francisco, you know, just just the touristy stuff that
that most people, most people who aren't from here, have
(15:26):
to do. So I felt like I needed to do that,
but still got a lot of things I got to
explore do food places and.
Speaker 3 (15:32):
All that stuff.
Speaker 2 (15:33):
Yeah, what is next on that bucket list?
Speaker 3 (15:35):
Oh?
Speaker 4 (15:36):
Man, I feel like there's too many things, So many
food recommendations I've had, That's the thing. I feel like
a lot of them are in like San Francisco, so
you know, not being like in downtown San Francisco. You know,
I haven't haven't been able to reach a lot of those,
but definitely still have to go do.
Speaker 2 (15:52):
That kind of a track.
Speaker 1 (15:53):
Have you done any exploring in the Bay Area, South
Bay or San Francisco?
Speaker 4 (15:59):
I mean, other than that trip I took to SF,
I don't think there's there's really been been much. But honestly,
the the rookie trip that we took to the to
the Giants game Giants for his Yankees, I'm not gonna
lie that Oracle Park that it's it's beautiful. I was like,
that's that's none other I've never seen anything like it.
Just you know, the bridge in the background, the water
(16:21):
in the background is beautiful. I'm like, football, basketball, baseball.
I was like, that's got to be like top ten ever.
So no, but that was that was definitely a fun experience.
Speaker 1 (16:31):
Your life's dedicated to football, obviously, that's your livelihood.
Speaker 2 (16:34):
But what sport do you enjoy just watching as a fan?
Speaker 3 (16:39):
I would say track. I enjoy watching track for sure.
Speaker 4 (16:43):
You know, obviously they're short races, but but I always
get a kick out of it. You know, I used
to run track myself, so you know, I was always
watched that whenever that's on.
Speaker 2 (16:52):
What was your event?
Speaker 3 (16:53):
I was a sprinter and then I did a long
jump as well.
Speaker 1 (16:56):
Yeah, do you have a deep level of appreciation than
for the Olympic?
Speaker 3 (17:00):
Oh? Yeah, you know, every time that's on, I gotta
tune in. Definitely.
Speaker 2 (17:04):
I like that.
Speaker 1 (17:05):
All right, So the second part of this podcast, since
your new fans from our YouTube community page Instagram have
sent in questions for you, I vetted them, so.
Speaker 2 (17:16):
Don't worry, all right.
Speaker 3 (17:17):
I was a little nervous we're.
Speaker 2 (17:18):
Gonna fire him off. All right.
Speaker 1 (17:20):
So let's see here, which nine or alum have you
enjoyed most meeting?
Speaker 2 (17:25):
And that's from Nate from Stockton.
Speaker 3 (17:27):
I'd say Patrick Willis.
Speaker 4 (17:29):
You know, obviously we didn't have a deep conversation, but
you know, it was kind of see, kind of cool
to see see a guy like that come around. But
you know, I see Frank a good amount around the building.
You know, we already had the connection before that. Obviously,
I would I would say him, he's he's, you know,
been a great help throughout this as well.
Speaker 1 (17:47):
But i'd probably say him, is that a little starstruck er?
Speaker 4 (17:52):
Uh, definitely a little bit. You know, you kind of
get used to it, you know, just seeing a bunch
of random guys, and you know, obviously, you know, playing
with such great players. You know, you you got Hall
of Fame caliber players in the locker room, so you know,
you kind of get used.
Speaker 3 (18:08):
To a little bit.
Speaker 1 (18:09):
This one is from Karen Hardy. What did you buy
with your first NFL paycheck?
Speaker 3 (18:14):
Ah?
Speaker 4 (18:16):
You know that's the crazy thing is I really haven't
made any outstanding purchases.
Speaker 2 (18:21):
Some people have said, like Tako was before, like something really.
Speaker 4 (18:24):
Really, I would definitely say the Dash past, and you know,
being a very loyal Dash customer, I would definitely say that.
I think it's it's kind of a it kind of
hurts sometimes, you know, looking looking at my my monthly,
you know, spending on that. But you know, I even
got a notification from them. I think it said something
(18:47):
about like thank you for being this month's like one
of our most loyal customers. I was like this, it
probably isn't a good sign, but I guess I appreciate
it a little bit.
Speaker 2 (18:57):
What are you dash passing?
Speaker 3 (18:59):
Oh my gosh, I do all types of things.
Speaker 4 (19:02):
That's That's the one thing about being out here is
it's not a lot of like you know, just stainple restaurants,
like they have a whole bunch of stuff. So you know,
I'm still exploring. I door dash a whole whole bunch
of whole bunch of food. I think karaokey madness. That's
That's been a good place. I'm probably most loyal there.
I'll try to eat somewhat somewhat healthy, but na, I've
(19:25):
been all over the place.
Speaker 1 (19:26):
Okay, so we actually had you participate in the locker
room question. I don't think you got enough love, so
we're gonna highlight it again. Okay, you mentioned that you
have a specialty dish.
Speaker 2 (19:37):
If you remember your answer.
Speaker 3 (19:38):
To this Burger Helper. I remember, most definitely love flavor.
Speaker 4 (19:45):
I would have to go strogan Off. That was that
was my stuff. And oh yeah, that was my stuff
in college. I'm not gonna lie I would you know,
I would sprinkle in some some others here and there,
but strogan Off was.
Speaker 2 (19:55):
That was number one, often making Hamburger helper these days, these.
Speaker 4 (20:00):
Days, I mean it's it's been years now, there's been years. Yeah,
it's probably been three years since I've since I've whipped
it up. But boy, when I made it, it was it
was good quality cuisine.
Speaker 3 (20:14):
Oh yeah.
Speaker 2 (20:15):
This one is from Anna Gabrielle. What is your favorite
Disney Channel original movie?
Speaker 1 (20:19):
If you don't have one, what is your guilty pleasure
TV or movie?
Speaker 4 (20:24):
I mean, some people hate on me because you know,
I'm twenty four years old and I still watch like
Disney animated movies.
Speaker 3 (20:30):
I got it.
Speaker 2 (20:31):
That's fair, that's respectable, right.
Speaker 3 (20:33):
But Despicable mus a good one. I'm not gonna lie.
I've watched that movie several times, several times over, isn't it?
Speaker 2 (20:41):
It's a trilogy? Now, have you watched two and three?
Speaker 3 (20:44):
Oh? Yeah, most definitely Dominions.
Speaker 4 (20:47):
Yeah, I mean it's it's just a great, greatly executed movie.
Speaker 3 (20:51):
So you know, I've watched it, watched it several times over.
Speaker 2 (20:54):
Last one.
Speaker 1 (20:55):
What is a hidden talent you haven't shared with Niner
fans yet?
Speaker 4 (21:00):
Hidden talent? Dang, that's unfortunate. I can't say I have
a lot of hidden talents. Honestly, I'd have to think
about that one. I don't think I have anything special
for him unfortunately, or.
Speaker 2 (21:16):
Later in the season. Well, you're a track athlete, so
that's that's kind of a hidden talent.
Speaker 4 (21:19):
Yeah, I can run kind of fast, somewhat run kind
of fast.
Speaker 2 (21:23):
We've seen it. We'd appreciate having you on the show.
Faithful to be featured in our next episode, make sure
to submit your questions to our YouTube community page or on.
Speaker 1 (21:32):
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Speaker 2 (21:36):
The first to listen to our latest episodes. That's it
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Speaker 1 (21:40):
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What's up, faithful, Welcome to the forty nine ers You've
got Mail Podcasts presented by Delta Dental. Today, we are
joined by a very special guest, rookie running back Isaac Garndo.
Speaker 2 (00:10):
Isaac, welcome to the show.
Speaker 3 (00:11):
Appreciate you, thank you for having.
Speaker 2 (00:13):
You were saying not a big.
Speaker 3 (00:14):
Podcaster, No not not not very Do you.
Speaker 1 (00:17):
Have a number of podcasts you've appeared on so far?
Is this the first one one? Okay, we got a
special podcast debut by Isaac Greddo today. So, Isaac, ten
weeks into the NFL season, what is life in the
pros like?
Speaker 4 (00:34):
Honestly, you know, it's been great. I don't think I
don't think I could have landed out a better spot. So,
you know, just just all around, you know, the environment,
from you know, the players to the coaches, it's been amazing.
Speaker 1 (00:48):
What has been the biggest transition from playing at the
college level to now being.
Speaker 2 (00:53):
In the league.
Speaker 4 (00:55):
Biggest transition, Uh, I think biggest transition positively, you know,
just no school work. Oh my goodness. That that's a
that's a blessing. But uh, I would say, you know,
just the speed of the game. It definitely picks up
a little bit. You know, you talk about guys. You know,
you're you're you're here on the field with the best
of the best, so you know, you really got to
(01:15):
be on your stuff. You know, make sure you're detailed
with your work. And you know, I think that's that's
one thing I learned.
Speaker 2 (01:20):
You touched upon a little bit of your college experience.
No more school works. So we're happy about that.
Speaker 3 (01:25):
Love it.
Speaker 2 (01:26):
But you actually split.
Speaker 1 (01:27):
Your college career between the University of Wisconsin and then
later went to Louisville. So about your journey in college,
you know, what was the decision to play at two
different schools, two different programs.
Speaker 4 (01:41):
So for me, you know why when I decided to
enter the transfer portal, you know, starting with Wisconsin, Uh,
you know, I had a little bit of injury history
like when I was young and then you know, as
well as being a receiver in high school, made that
transition to running back when I got to Wisconsin, which
you know, for me, I saw opportunity because you Wisconsin
at the time, we were running the ball probably seventy
(02:02):
times again, so you know, you can't go wrong with that.
But so like it was really a development thing for me,
you know, making that transition. But you know, when you're out,
you know, you can't really you know, build that confidence.
So you know, when I got to those like last
couple of years at Wisconsin, you know, I was starting
to get in a rhythm in the twenty twenty two
(02:25):
season and then you know, we just we just had
a deep backfield. So you know, I made the decision
to go to Louisville and you know, just just be
at a place where I can get a little bit
more opportunity. So that's really what I went into that decision.
Speaker 1 (02:38):
One interesting fact a lot of people may not know
about you is that part of that deep backfield is
Jonathan Taylor, and he is now a mentor to you,
even now you talk about still texting him now and then.
Speaker 2 (02:51):
So how did that relationship develop?
Speaker 4 (02:54):
You know, it was really obviously when I made that transition,
you know, he was you know with him he was
only a year older than me. But you know, he
did a good job, you know, just taking me under
his wing, and you know, with us both being kind
of speed guys, you know, it was it kind of
made it easier and all it's like I'm just gonna replicate,
you know, everything he does, but you know he was.
(03:15):
He's been a great mentor you know, throughout the whole process,
you know, as far as you know, just being there
whenever I had questions or anything like that, and then
you know, still being there if I have questions now,
So you know, it was it was an enjoyment to
have him.
Speaker 2 (03:28):
How often do you talk to him now that you're
both in the league.
Speaker 4 (03:32):
You know, obviously we both have busy schedules, but you know,
I'll text him here and there. You know he does
the same, So I appreciate him for that.
Speaker 1 (03:39):
You spoke about replicating just everything that he did. Does
that mean the way he prepped for games, some of
his skill set on the field.
Speaker 2 (03:49):
Was it a little bit of everything?
Speaker 4 (03:50):
Yeah, you know it was a little bit of everything.
You know, there was there was points, you know where
a whole recovery playing everything he's doing, I'm doing.
Speaker 3 (03:58):
But you know it also work for me.
Speaker 4 (04:00):
So you know, I was like, you know, with the
amount of success that he's having, you know, I'm like
following him.
Speaker 3 (04:06):
I can't go wrong.
Speaker 2 (04:07):
So what's the best piece of advice he handed down
to you?
Speaker 4 (04:13):
Honestly, best piece of advice he handed to me was
you know you have speed, so use it, you know,
I mean with a guy like that being fast as well. Uh,
you know, I think that was that was a big thing.
Speaker 1 (04:23):
You know.
Speaker 4 (04:24):
I think there was a lot of hesitation early on,
but you know I was able to figure that out
a little bit. So then you know, you know, whenever
I do see a seam or something, you know, I
was able to hit it.
Speaker 1 (04:34):
You also spoke about this earlier in the season, but
only one start in your six seasons at the college level.
How do you think playing behind those very deep backfields
has helped you now that you're in the league.
Speaker 4 (04:48):
You know, I think it's it's honestly prepared me mentally
for you know, when that situation does happen. You know,
obviously being a part of a great room right now,
you know, this is like.
Speaker 3 (04:59):
A similar situation.
Speaker 4 (05:00):
More of this like a you know, whenever your numbers called,
you know you're you're ready for it. So you know,
I also like to use it just like as a
as a motivational piece, you know, even even for just
like for youth, you know, telling them them that, you know,
to to keep them motivated, you know, from you know,
high school to college to you know, if they make
the transition to the pros. It's an awesome story to
(05:23):
tell because you know it's not something that you you
really hear of a lot. And then you know, being
able to be blessed enough to get drafted as well.
You know, I think that's that's something that I really
hold on to.
Speaker 1 (05:33):
You get drafted in April and you come to, like
you mentioned a running back room that's got Christian McCaffrey,
Elijah Mitchell, Jordan Mason, When did you expect to see
playing time for the first time your rookie season.
Speaker 4 (05:46):
You know, I wouldn't really say there was a specific
time that I expected it. You know, I always give
a credit to coach Turner for preparing everybody uh the same,
you know, as if they're going to start that game. So,
you know, I think that's what allowed me to be
be ready. You know, whenever whenever my number is called,
you're part of.
Speaker 1 (06:02):
A rookie class that up to this point in the season,
my colleague at ESPN's Nick Wagner, has jotted all this down.
Your rookie class has had seventeen almost seventeen hundred snaps.
That's almost the exact amount that the rookie class had
last season. So contributing a lot for you four games
with five carries or more, what has prepared you for
(06:25):
that big moment?
Speaker 4 (06:27):
You know, honestly to start, that's exciting, you know, I
think just the talent with those guys coming in. You know,
that's an exciting stat that I haven't heard, but you know,
just kind of kind of going back to Coach Turner,
you know, even in the pre draft process. You know,
my situation was, you know, like none other. I feel like,
you know, with a lot of people, you know, including
(06:49):
you know, Jonathan Taylor. You know I kind of talked
to him in the pre draft process, you know, talking
about you know, landing spots and you know how many
times he talked to the Colds before he ended up there.
So you know, I talked to coach t a lot
in the in the process, you know, and you know
I was able to learn something from him before actually
landing here. So you know, it kind of kind of
(07:10):
worked out. You know, a team that believed in me,
you know even before you know, they saw me run
a decent forty at the combine, So you know, I
think that was you know, something that made me feel
a lot more comfortable, you know, when I did did
end up here, So you know, I was excited about that.
Speaker 1 (07:25):
You mentioned the combine freak measurables really fastest forty amongst
running backs, also the highest vertical.
Speaker 2 (07:34):
Did you expect to put up.
Speaker 1 (07:35):
Those numbers, Like, were you seeing those in your testing
prior as you were getting ready?
Speaker 4 (07:40):
Yeah, I mean I think a lot of it, especially
you know, going from you know, playing in the Holiday Bowl,
playing USC and then making that transition. You know, there's
definitely like a little hump you have to get over
because you know, training for the combine, you know, combine
prep in general is way different than you know, what
you were doing in the season, So you know, it
(08:01):
took took a little bit of time. But you know,
I think the exciting thing about it was, you know
a lot of people kind of undershot my forty. So
I was like, I use that as a positive. I'm like,
I mean, if you think I'm going to run in
four six, I was like, I know, I'm not going
to run that, So you know, all I could do
is boost my boost myself at that point. So that
was kind of the mentality with that.
Speaker 1 (08:19):
You finished running that forty and what's the first thought
that goes through mind? Did you look immediately up or
did you know just off of how you ran? Like, yeah,
I went really fast.
Speaker 3 (08:29):
You know, it felt good.
Speaker 4 (08:31):
I think that's the unfortunate thing about the first forty
is you know, you can't see the time.
Speaker 3 (08:36):
So I'm going back. I'm like, well, I'm like, what
was it.
Speaker 4 (08:38):
I had a couple of dudes that I trained with
shout out X three for forgetting me right Jordan, But.
Speaker 3 (08:47):
Yeah, I went right back. I was like, I was like,
did you see what the time was?
Speaker 4 (08:51):
I think it was actually like you looked up on
the screen and you know they had showed like certain
coaches or whatever, and you know the TVs like that
they're watching. They haven't but like the big screen doesn't
have like the time on it. So they had seen
it on there and they let me know it was
like a four three three, And then you know, I'm
getting text from my coach. He's like you better not
run again. It's like, there's no point. I mean so,
(09:12):
but nah, it was exciting. I felt good about it.
Speaker 2 (09:15):
After you're done running that forty, are you completely gassed?
Speaker 3 (09:19):
No? I think it was more just like an adrenaline.
Speaker 4 (09:21):
I go like, that was a good, good time to
put out, So I was like, you know, I felt
felt confident about it.
Speaker 1 (09:26):
So I was happy that speed has been on display
multiple times here with the forty nine ers, including in
that Seahawks seventy six yard run. I think you know
where I'm going with.
Speaker 3 (09:37):
Oh yeah, I do.
Speaker 1 (09:38):
The internet wants to know was it a strategic slide
or were you tackled?
Speaker 4 (09:43):
It was definitely a strategic slide. I think now, you know,
putting two on tape, you can compare the two and
they look very similar. But I think another thing that
I've learned over the amount of time that I played
football is if I'm gonna look back, I'm not going
to be at my fastest. So I mean for me
to look back for fifteen yards, I don't. I mean,
(10:05):
it just doesn't sound right. And then you talk about
falling backwards. I've never seen somebody get tackle from behind
and fallow the way I did.
Speaker 3 (10:13):
That's just me.
Speaker 4 (10:14):
But you know, maybe I'm wrong. If you guys can
find something, let me know. But but yeah, no, it
was definitely a strategic size. Some people still don't believe it,
but you know, I know what I was.
Speaker 1 (10:23):
Doing, so had a little bit of a delayed gratification.
You get another long run against the Cowboys and then
finally gets punching on a separate play your first touchdown.
What is the feeling of finding the end zone for
the first time as a rookie?
Speaker 3 (10:38):
Oh?
Speaker 4 (10:39):
Man, I mean, especially after the Seattle game, you know,
having to give that one up, it felt great, you know,
like I said, you know, just being a part of
this team and you know, being able to contribute in
a game like that was.
Speaker 3 (10:52):
You know, the most exciting thing.
Speaker 4 (10:54):
So you know, it felt amazing being able to be
out there and score the first.
Speaker 1 (10:59):
One mentioned seventeen seventeen hundred snaps for those for the
entire rookie class. When you see Dominic Pooney really be
that first young guy to get the opportunity, how did
that kind of set the tone or the bar for
the rest of the rookie class.
Speaker 4 (11:13):
You know, honestly, I was. I was really excited for him.
You know, he's the amount of talent he has is incredible,
So you know, obviously it's just motivation.
Speaker 3 (11:22):
You know.
Speaker 4 (11:22):
It's like, you know, as a rookie, you know you
have that mindset of you know, I want to contribute
as well, so you know, having that motivation, you know,
a guy and got to chase you know, obviously we're
all different positions, but you know it was exciting and
but you know seeing out him out there, you know,
having the success that he's having is exciting.
Speaker 1 (11:42):
And you know how close is that rookie class? You
guys all come in together a lot of programming, So yeah,
what are the personalities and how close has everyone gotten?
Speaker 3 (11:51):
No, We're we're all close.
Speaker 4 (11:52):
I mean I think we we mesh real well, you know,
it's it's it's been amazing, you know, I mean you
talk about them the time that we've spent together from
you know, rookie rookie Minnie camp to t O t
As to.
Speaker 3 (12:06):
Now, It's it's been awesome. It's a great group of guys.
Speaker 1 (12:09):
Is there anyone in particular that you've bonded with has
really become a best friend over this time?
Speaker 4 (12:15):
Honestly, like, honestly, everybody, I think we we all mess.
Speaker 1 (12:18):
You know.
Speaker 4 (12:19):
It's there's not one guy that you know, I couldn't
have a great conversation with, so uh No, I think
it's it's really just been everybody.
Speaker 1 (12:26):
What has been your welcome to the NFL moment if
you've had it yet as a rookie. I know one example,
I like to point to his malic just kind of
poking a little fun at himself.
Speaker 2 (12:37):
Against the Chiefs. Have you had a similar moment?
Speaker 3 (12:40):
Oh?
Speaker 4 (12:41):
Man, I think it's I think it's yet to come.
I think I think it's still going to be out
there because I mean when you talk about welcome to
the NFL, I think it's something that.
Speaker 3 (12:50):
That really sticks out. So I think I think I'm
still waiting for me.
Speaker 1 (12:55):
And then what has been the biggest learning lesson that
you've had thus far?
Speaker 4 (12:58):
Then I would say for me, you know, just talking
talking football wise, is uh, you know, just just being
able to trust myself.
Speaker 3 (13:09):
You know.
Speaker 4 (13:09):
I think you know, if you if you don't trust
trust yourself, you know you're gonna you're gonna limit your ability.
So you know, I kind of just told myself, you know,
I just did a little bit of uh a self
reflection before before one of the games, and I was
just like, just go out there, have have fun with it.
Like you know, you were blessed enough to get this,
uh this opportunity, so you know, take advantage of it.
So I think that's one thing that's that's helped me
(13:31):
and you know, I'm going to continue moving forward.
Speaker 1 (13:34):
At one point throughout this year, did the game start
to kind of slow down? Like you mentioned, you gave
yourself a moment and then you really did start to
trust yourself.
Speaker 4 (13:43):
Yeah, I mean I would definitely say it was was
before that Seattle game. I think it definitely started to
click a little bit for me. And you know, I
feel like I was playing like more so like myself.
You know, I think, you know, before then, I was
a little hesitant, and you know, I think that game
I really was able to just cut it loose.
Speaker 1 (14:02):
And I know Christian McCaffery obviously hasn't been playing this
first half of this season, but how has he become
a mentor for you?
Speaker 2 (14:09):
Just being in that running.
Speaker 4 (14:10):
Rec room, you know, having a conversation with him early on,
you know, once once he got back, uh, you know,
he just let me know, he was like, hey, if
you ever need anything, if you ever have a question,
let me know, Like, don't feel like you can't ask
me that.
Speaker 3 (14:23):
And then you know, Juice Juice has been the same way.
Speaker 4 (14:26):
But everybody in that room has been great and you
know I've been able to do that, just ask ask
questions to all of them, guys that have have been around,
you know, guys that have learned things. So you know,
that's why I enjoy that room so much. You know,
I can, I can ask questions to all of them.
But you know, Christian has done done a great job
just mentoring everybody, you know, even even while not being
(14:48):
out there, you know, just still having that same energy
has been nice.
Speaker 1 (14:52):
So off the field, you mentioned coming off this bye week,
you decided not to go anywhere with the time off.
How did you prioritize is that recovery during the days
you did have off.
Speaker 4 (15:05):
So I mean, that's the crazy thing. Even when I
did have time off, you know, I was in here,
uh you know, getting a little bit of extra recovery,
and you know, but at the same time, you know,
just being able to go home, kick my feet up
a little bit and just relax. I did visit downtown
San Francisco, you know, just just the touristy stuff that
that most people, most people who aren't from here, have
(15:26):
to do. So I felt like I needed to do that,
but still got a lot of things I got to
explore do food places and.
Speaker 3 (15:32):
All that stuff.
Speaker 2 (15:33):
Yeah, what is next on that bucket list?
Speaker 3 (15:35):
Oh?
Speaker 4 (15:36):
Man, I feel like there's too many things, So many
food recommendations I've had, That's the thing. I feel like
a lot of them are in like San Francisco, so
you know, not being like in downtown San Francisco. You know,
I haven't haven't been able to reach a lot of those,
but definitely still have to go do.
Speaker 2 (15:52):
That kind of a track.
Speaker 1 (15:53):
Have you done any exploring in the Bay Area, South
Bay or San Francisco?
Speaker 4 (15:59):
I mean, other than that trip I took to SF,
I don't think there's there's really been been much. But honestly,
the the rookie trip that we took to the to
the Giants game Giants for his Yankees, I'm not gonna
lie that Oracle Park that it's it's beautiful. I was like,
that's that's none other I've never seen anything like it.
Just you know, the bridge in the background, the water
(16:21):
in the background is beautiful. I'm like, football, basketball, baseball.
I was like, that's got to be like top ten ever.
So no, but that was that was definitely a fun experience.
Speaker 1 (16:31):
Your life's dedicated to football, obviously, that's your livelihood.
Speaker 2 (16:34):
But what sport do you enjoy just watching as a fan?
Speaker 3 (16:39):
I would say track. I enjoy watching track for sure.
Speaker 4 (16:43):
You know, obviously they're short races, but but I always
get a kick out of it. You know, I used
to run track myself, so you know, I was always
watched that whenever that's on.
Speaker 2 (16:52):
What was your event?
Speaker 3 (16:53):
I was a sprinter and then I did a long
jump as well.
Speaker 1 (16:56):
Yeah, do you have a deep level of appreciation than
for the Olympic?
Speaker 3 (17:00):
Oh? Yeah, you know, every time that's on, I gotta
tune in. Definitely.
Speaker 2 (17:04):
I like that.
Speaker 1 (17:05):
All right, So the second part of this podcast, since
your new fans from our YouTube community page Instagram have
sent in questions for you, I vetted them, so.
Speaker 2 (17:16):
Don't worry, all right.
Speaker 3 (17:17):
I was a little nervous we're.
Speaker 2 (17:18):
Gonna fire him off. All right.
Speaker 1 (17:20):
So let's see here, which nine or alum have you
enjoyed most meeting?
Speaker 2 (17:25):
And that's from Nate from Stockton.
Speaker 3 (17:27):
I'd say Patrick Willis.
Speaker 4 (17:29):
You know, obviously we didn't have a deep conversation, but
you know, it was kind of see, kind of cool
to see see a guy like that come around. But
you know, I see Frank a good amount around the building.
You know, we already had the connection before that. Obviously,
I would I would say him, he's he's, you know,
been a great help throughout this as well.
Speaker 1 (17:47):
But i'd probably say him, is that a little starstruck er?
Speaker 4 (17:52):
Uh, definitely a little bit. You know, you kind of
get used to it, you know, just seeing a bunch
of random guys, and you know, obviously, you know, playing
with such great players. You know, you you got Hall
of Fame caliber players in the locker room, so you know,
you kind of get used.
Speaker 3 (18:08):
To a little bit.
Speaker 1 (18:09):
This one is from Karen Hardy. What did you buy
with your first NFL paycheck?
Speaker 3 (18:14):
Ah?
Speaker 4 (18:16):
You know that's the crazy thing is I really haven't
made any outstanding purchases.
Speaker 2 (18:21):
Some people have said, like Tako was before, like something really.
Speaker 4 (18:24):
Really, I would definitely say the Dash past, and you know,
being a very loyal Dash customer, I would definitely say that.
I think it's it's kind of a it kind of
hurts sometimes, you know, looking looking at my my monthly,
you know, spending on that. But you know, I even
got a notification from them. I think it said something
(18:47):
about like thank you for being this month's like one
of our most loyal customers. I was like this, it
probably isn't a good sign, but I guess I appreciate
it a little bit.
Speaker 2 (18:57):
What are you dash passing?
Speaker 3 (18:59):
Oh my gosh, I do all types of things.
Speaker 4 (19:02):
That's That's the one thing about being out here is
it's not a lot of like you know, just stainple restaurants,
like they have a whole bunch of stuff. So you know,
I'm still exploring. I door dash a whole whole bunch
of whole bunch of food. I think karaokey madness. That's
That's been a good place. I'm probably most loyal there.
I'll try to eat somewhat somewhat healthy, but na, I've
(19:25):
been all over the place.
Speaker 1 (19:26):
Okay, so we actually had you participate in the locker
room question. I don't think you got enough love, so
we're gonna highlight it again. Okay, you mentioned that you
have a specialty dish.
Speaker 2 (19:37):
If you remember your answer.
Speaker 3 (19:38):
To this Burger Helper. I remember, most definitely love flavor.
Speaker 4 (19:45):
I would have to go strogan Off. That was that
was my stuff. And oh yeah, that was my stuff
in college. I'm not gonna lie I would you know,
I would sprinkle in some some others here and there,
but strogan Off was.
Speaker 2 (19:55):
That was number one, often making Hamburger helper these days, these.
Speaker 4 (20:00):
Days, I mean it's it's been years now, there's been years. Yeah,
it's probably been three years since I've since I've whipped
it up. But boy, when I made it, it was it
was good quality cuisine.
Speaker 3 (20:14):
Oh yeah.
Speaker 2 (20:15):
This one is from Anna Gabrielle. What is your favorite
Disney Channel original movie?
Speaker 1 (20:19):
If you don't have one, what is your guilty pleasure
TV or movie?
Speaker 4 (20:24):
I mean, some people hate on me because you know,
I'm twenty four years old and I still watch like
Disney animated movies.
Speaker 3 (20:30):
I got it.
Speaker 2 (20:31):
That's fair, that's respectable, right.
Speaker 3 (20:33):
But Despicable mus a good one. I'm not gonna lie.
I've watched that movie several times, several times over, isn't it?
Speaker 2 (20:41):
It's a trilogy? Now, have you watched two and three?
Speaker 3 (20:44):
Oh? Yeah, most definitely Dominions.
Speaker 4 (20:47):
Yeah, I mean it's it's just a great, greatly executed movie.
Speaker 3 (20:51):
So you know, I've watched it, watched it several times over.
Speaker 2 (20:54):
Last one.
Speaker 1 (20:55):
What is a hidden talent you haven't shared with Niner
fans yet?
Speaker 4 (21:00):
Hidden talent? Dang, that's unfortunate. I can't say I have
a lot of hidden talents. Honestly, I'd have to think
about that one. I don't think I have anything special
for him unfortunately, or.
Speaker 2 (21:16):
Later in the season. Well, you're a track athlete, so
that's that's kind of a hidden talent.
Speaker 4 (21:19):
Yeah, I can run kind of fast, somewhat run kind
of fast.
Speaker 2 (21:23):
We've seen it. We'd appreciate having you on the show.
Faithful to be featured in our next episode, make sure
to submit your questions to our YouTube community page or on.
Speaker 1 (21:32):
Instagram, and sign up on Spotify and Apple Podcast so
that you can be.
Speaker 2 (21:36):
The first to listen to our latest episodes. That's it
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