Aldon Smith Shines Bright During Mizzou's Dark Days

Nothing much has gone well for the Missouri Tigers football team lately.

The Tigers haven't won since September, their stud young quarterback suddenly looks average and injured, Danario Alexander is the only spark on offense that warrants any applause, and the defense has been giving up more points left and right.

But one youngster has come to play week in and week out, even when the rest of his team seemingly didn't show up against Texas last Saturday.

Redshirt freshman Aldon Smith was an absolute monster against the No. 3 team in the nation in Columbia. He had 11 unassisted tackles, four for a loss, and two sacks. He leads the team with 6.5 sacks and doesn't show any signs of stopping.

For a team that got straight-up bullied all night against the top-flight Texas team, and one that simply must get to the quarterback to make up for a secondary that appears to be prone (AGAIN) to giving up the big passing play, Aldon Smith helps.

But what's even more important is looking towards the future, Smith will be wreaking havoc for years to come. Coupled with sophomore Jacquies Smith (no relation), the Smiths should have no problem teaming up and getting into opposing backfields for years to come. 

Aldon is a big-time player, but unlike Brian Smith, the last big pass rusher at MU, he's got an NFL body. He stands at a chiseled 6'5", 250, and coaches say he has room to add more weight without sacrificing speed. Think current 49er Justin Smith (who has over 50 sacks for his NFL career).

With such depressing days upon the city of Columbia, Missouri, Aldon Smith represents a reminder of what can be and possibly more happy days ahead as the Big 12 schedule gets easier. It was just last year that Mizzou was loaded with NFL talent and sending people to the league like they were a big-time program. Aldon Smith is that type of player.

He's certainly not going anywhere, and if his attitude and talent can positively affect some of his teammates, better days loom.

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