Will full-time role impact Aldon Smith's stats?

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SANTA CLARA -- Aldon Smith had one assignment: Go get the quarterback.Having graduated from his rookie season with honors, Smith proved to be ready for greater responsibilities. In Year 2, Smith is being fitted this offseason for a full-time role.
Few NFL players were better at hitting the quarterback last season. Smith, the No. 7 overall pick in the 2011 draft, tied for fifth in the NFL with 14 sacks.He played just 48.2 of the 49ers' defensive snaps. Smith entered mostly at right defensive end when the 49ers were expecting pass plays.RECAP: Aldon Smith 2011 game logs
Although listed as an outside linebacker, Smith played that position for only 20 to 30 snaps as a rookie, 49ers defensive coordinator Vic Fangio said.In his second NFL season, Smith is expected to play every down. He is penciled in to replace Parys Haralson as the starter. Smith is working at outside linebacker in the 49ers' base defense. He'll continue to be a defensive end in the nickel defense."He can become a full-time player," Fangio said on Wednesday. "Last year, the season worked out for him basically the way I envisioned it. He played in the sub packages. Along the way, he was getting a lot of practice at outside linebacker."Fangio said Smith must "master" the 49ers' coverages -- though he figures to seldom be asked to cover pass routes. Smith must also learn to diagnose run and pass and set the edge against the run."One thing Parys was really good (at) was playing the run," Fangio said. "He's got to be as good or better than Parys playing the run."If it turns out he doesn't warrant the job with his play, then he'll go back to that (a role as a situational pass-rusher). I think when you have a player of his ability, you have to do anything and everything to get him on the field more."So did Smith accomplish his big sack numbers because -- or in spite of -- the fact he played less than half the time?
Because Smith's game must be well-rounded as an every-down player, could his sack total decrease. After all, as a rookie, Smith was well-rested late in games and he could concentrate solely on rushing the passer.
Smith does not see it that way, though."Hopefully my stats will increase because I'm in a lot more now," he said. "If anything, my stats will go up."

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