Trent Baalke: 'Aldon Smith ready to bounce back'

San Francisco 49ers general manager Trent Baalke believes that Aldon Smith is determined to bounce back from his disappointing 2014 season.

The 25-year-old was suspended for the majority of the campaign for violating the league's policy on personal conduct and substances of abuse, which followed a tumultuous off-season in which he was arrested on felony gun charges.

On his return to the field, he mustered just two sacks in seven matches, but Baalke feels that there is a hunger within the linebacker to return to his best form.

"He's got a great look in his eye," Baalke told reporters. "He's doing well. For anybody that's been in a situation like Aldon's been in, every day is a process.

"But he's doing exceptionally well and he's probably in as good a shape as he's been in a long time."

Smith has recorded 152 tackles, 44 sacks and one interception in his four years in the NFL.