2012-GameRelease-Divisional

Those memorable quarterback takedowns, key to the 49ers securing the No. 2 overall seed in last year’s
playoffs, somewhat overshadowed the well-roundedness of Smith’s contributions. At the end of the
regular season, the rookie linebacker finished the year with 44 tackles, four pass breakups, two forced
fumbles and one fumble recovery. In the playoffs, Smith added a pair of sacks for good measure.
But just as Smith’s created a following around the NFL for his explosive pass-rushing and memorable
sack celebrations (running off the field directly to the sideline bench at home against St. Louis comes to
mind), he remains determined to be a complete outside linebacker in the team’s 3-4 defensive scheme.
Smith wasn’t used in coverage much as a rookie, but that could change as he continues to showcase a
wide array of athletic talents in his first offseason working with the 49ers coaching staff.
But when he’s not around the facility improving his craft, Smith has recently picked up an old hobby that
helps his focus and concentration: drumming. One of the key purchases made by last year’s first-round
pick was a drum set which has allowed Smith to express himself away from his profession in a different
way.
“Football is part of my day, but there are things I just like doing, my hobbies,” Smith said. “I’m taking
advantage of the time I have available.”
In that bit of the offseason, Smith has lent his support to R&B singer June, an old friend of Smith who’s
looking to get his music career off the ground. Not only has the 49ers linebacker spent time tweeting out
support for the musician’s latest project, but he also he recently collaborated with June, playing drums on
a recently released song.
“I was playing around one day to his song – he said he had a feel for that sound – so we just put two and
two together,” Smith said. “It’s really just us having fun, doing what we naturally do.”
“I like music,” continued Smith, who can be seen playing the drums in this YouTube clip.
Feedback on the percussion performance has instantly been positive.
“People definitely like it,” Smith said. “They definitely didn’t expect football players to have other talents,
so with his good music and my talent on the drums, it’s receiving some thumbs up.”
For the rest of the summer, Smith will continue to “attack” the team’s offseason program while honing his
football talents.
But most importantly, he wants to get better.
“Last year was my first year and it was a little bit of a warm up,” said Smith who only needed one more
sack in the 2011 season finale to break Jevon Kearse’s record of 14.5 sacks in 1999.
“Now I just have to keep going and take off.”