Niners' QB competition begins at minicamp

SANTA CLARA -- Toward the end of last season, 49ers coach Mike Nolan and quarterback Alex Smith were not speaking to each other. Instead, they communicated their complaints about one another through the media.

On Friday, Nolan and Smith shared a hug -- albeit with more than a trace of irony -- in front of the media on the first day of the 49ers' three-day minicamp.

Smith is also embracing his new challenge this offseason. After reporting to work the past two years as the unquestioned starter, Smith has to earn it this season.

There is a three-way competition for the 49ers' starting job. Smith, the No. 1 overall pick of the 2005 draft, is taking part in an open competition against Shaun Hill and newcomer J.T. O'Sullivan.

"It's a natural part of the game," Smith said. "Shaun and I have had to compete our entire lives."

But the situation is different than what Smith has experienced in his NFL career. Because of the $24 million in guaranteed money he received as part of his rookie contract, the 49ers handed him the starting job the past two years. Veteran Trent Dilfer was brought to the team in 2006 in the dual role of backup quarterback/mentor.

However, Dilfer struggled mightily when he was pressed into action after Smith was sidelined for 10 games last season with a right shoulder separation. Dilfer was released after the season.

The best play the 49ers received from the quarterback position last season came with Smith and Dilfer out of action. Hill stepped onto the field for the first time in his six-year career and played well for 10 quarters. His season ended with a back injury.

Hill completed 68.4 percent of his passes for 501 yards, with five touchdowns and one interception. His passer rating was 101.3, compared to Smith's 57.2 rating. Hill played well despite toughing his way through a torn tendon and broken right index finger.

Hill, who downplayed the injury to the media last season, underwent surgery in January to repair the damage.

"I downplayed it to myself, too," Hill said. "You can't go into any games with excuses. You're setting yourself up for failure if you do that."

Smith underwent shoulder surgery in December and is rounding into shape. Both quarterbacks took part in the first day of minicamp, sharing the first-team repetitions.

While competition in the NFL is new to Smith, it is something Hill has experienced every season. He always had to fight for a roster spot. Now, Hill is competing for a starting role after signing a three-year, $6 million contract to remain with the 49ers.

"All you can ask for is a chance," Hill said. "This will make both of us much better players. And, ultimately, it'll make the team better."

The competition for the starting job is just beginning. After this minicamp, the 49ers continue their offseason program. In June, the club is scheduled to hold 12 days of organized team activities.

Training camp opens in July. The quarterback competition is expected to be the focus of the team's four-game exhibition schedule.

"Both Shaun and Alex have been positive toward the competition," Nolan said. "There is good competition. They both really want the job."

The most game-ready quarterback right now is O'Sullivan.

He has a head start on Smith and Hill. After all, he spent last year in new offensive coordinator Mike Martz's system. O'Sullivan, who played at UC Davis, signed with the Detroit Lions after spending last spring in NFL Europe. He beat out Dan Orlovsky for the backup job to starter Jon Kitna.

The Lions fired Martz as coordinator after last season. Martz reunited with O'Sullvan when Nolan hired him to join the coaching staff. Jim Hostler was fired as coordinator after one season.

Smith and Hill will get most of the attention this weekend, as they familiarize themselves with the new offense.

"He (O'Sullivan) knows the offense well," Nolan said. "For this minicamp, we'll look at Shaun and Alex. (But) J.T. O'Sullivan is in the mix."

There is little question that the fate of the 2008 San Francisco 49ers is largely tied to the production the team receives from its starting quarterback. The 49ers have ranked 32nd, 29th and 32nd in passing the past three seasons.

"May the best man win," 49ers tight end Vernon Davis said.

You can reach Staff Writer Matt Maiocco at 521-5492 or matt.maiocco@pressdemocrat.com.