SANTA CLARA -- Pass-rusher Aldon Smith, the No. 7 overall pick, has been named NFL defensive rookie of the month for October, the 49ers announced Wednesday.Smith, who has mostly lined up at defensive end in the 49ers' nickel defense, is the first 49ers player to be named NFL defensive rookie of the month since Patrick Willis in December 2007. In four games in October, Smith recorded 6.5 sacks, one forced fumble, one safety and three passes defensed. He recorded a sack in each of the four games, becoming the first 49ers player to accomplish the feat since Andre Carter in 2002.
Smith's 6.5 sacks in the month led all rookies and ranked fourth in the NFL among all players.REWIND: Aldon Smith will provide early clues to his future
Smith holds the Missouri single-season sack record with 11.5 in 2009. That record was previously held by 49ers teammate Justin Smith, who registered 11 sacks in 2000.
Stay in the game with the latest updates on your beloved Bay Area and California sports teams! Sign up here for our All Access Daily newsletter.