Recorded highly productive rookie campaign as he set unofficial franchise record for tackles (226) in a season while also leading NFL in stops on his way to being named to Pro Bowl, All-Pro team and earning AP Defensive Rookie of the Year honors…Was only rookie named to the All-Pro team…Was one of three NFL rookies (T Joe Staley and Browns T Joe Thomas) to line up for every snap in 2008…Played his way into starting lineup during training camp at inside linebacker…Totaled 10-plus tackles in all but one contest and recorded 20-plus tackles in three games…Became first 49ers defensive rookie to make Pro Bowl and first-team All-Pro since CB Ronnie Lott in 1981…Joined CB Bruce Taylor (1970), DT Dana Stubblefield (1993) and DT Bryant Young (1994) as 49ers who won Defensive Rookie of the Year award…Named Defensive Rookie of the Month for October as he amassed 43 tackles, and for December as he totaled 53 tackles, three sacks, one forced fumble and one pass defensed…Won GMC Defensive Player of the Week for his performances at Arizona (11-25) and vs. Tampa Bay (12-23)…Named Diet Pepsi Rookie of the Week for his performances in Week 1, 2 and 12.

Originally a first round (11th pick overall) draft choice by San Francisco in 2007.