Aldon Smith

Aldon Jacarus Smith (born September 25, 1989) is an American football outside linebacker for the Oakland Raiders of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football at Missouri, and was drafted by the San Francisco 49ers seventh overall in the 2011 NFL Draft.

Early years

Smith was born in Greenwood, Mississippi. He attended Raytown High School in Raytown, Missouri, where he played for the Raytown Bluejays high school football team. As a senior he recorded 60 tackles, 21 tackles for loss, 12 sacks, while adding 7 forced fumbles, 1 blocked punt and 1 safety on defense, while on offense he caught 34 passes for 570 yards and 4 touchdowns as a tight end.

Considered only a three-star recruit by Rivals.com, Smith was considered the 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.

College career

Smith played for the Missouri Tigers football team while attending the University of Missouri from 2008 to 2010. After being redshirted as a freshman in 2008, he 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.