- published: 06 Apr 2015
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Aldon Smith (born September 25, 1989) is an American football outside linebacker who currently plays for the San Francisco 49ers. He was drafted by the 49ers with the seventh overall pick in the 2011 NFL Draft. He played college football at Missouri.
Smith attended Raytown High School in Raytown, Missouri, where he recorded 60 tackles, 21 tackles for loss, and 12 quarterback sacks, while adding 7 forced fumbles, 1 blocked punt and 1 safety as a senior. He also stood out on offense, as he caught 34 passes for 570 yards and 4 TDs as a tight end.
Considered only a three-star recruit by Rivals.com, Smith was considered No. 5 overall prospect (any position) in the state of Missouri, as well as the No. 27 strongside defensive end in the nation. Smith chose Mizzou over Nebraska, Kansas and Kansas State, among many others.
After being redshirted as a freshman in 2008, Smith started 11 of 13 games at defensive end in 2009. He finished the season with 60 tackles and 11 sacks. He was named the Big 12 Defensive Freshman of the Year and a first team freshman All-American. As a sophomore in 2010 he played in nine games, recording 48 tackles and six sacks.