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49ers Insider: A three-way tie at QB - for now
By Matthew Barrows - mbarrows@sacbee.com
Last Updated 12:07 am PDT Saturday, May 31, 2008
Story appeared in section, Page C3
SANTA CLARA - The 49ers will assemble Monday for the first of 12 June practices that coach Mike Nolan hopes will give him at least a rough outline of his depth chart at quarterback.
As it stands, there isn't any depth.
Instead, there's a three-way race among Shaun Hill, J.T. O'Sullivan and Alex Smith to start.
As was the case during the three-day minicamp earlier this month, Hill and Smith will split the first-string repetitions during the upcoming organized team activities (OTAs) because they are learning a new offense.
O'Sullivan, meanwhile, is familiar with coordinator Mike Martz's system and won't receive as much work as the other two. Nolan, however, insisted that the former UC Davis quarterback is in the race to start.
Nolan said coaches will continue to evaluate the competition during the OTAs. The team will practice four times a week for the next three weeks.
"Whatever happens at the end of OTAs," Nolan said, "it's not the end of the race for anyone."
He said he nonetheless hopes to establish a quarterback pecking order for training camp, which begins July 24. By then, coaches want one player receiving most of the practice repetitions.
Tackle eligible
Rookie Chilo Rachal will go through the OTAs at a new position: right tackle.
The team's second-round draft pick played guard at USC and lined up at right guard during the 49ers' minicamp.
However, the team has little depth at tackle behind starters Joe Staley and Jonas Jennings. Nolan said Rachal has the desire and the necessary body type to slide out and play tackle. He'll play with the second team behind Jennings.
"To me, (Rachal) looked like a tackle from the day I saw him," Nolan said.
No reply
Guard Larry Allen has not said if he plans to retire.
Allen, a free agent since his contract expired in February, started at left guard for the 49ers the last two seasons.
He did not participate in the team's offseason activities last year but remained in phone contact with Nolan. This offseason, Nolan has been unable to reach Allen, 36, despite repeated attempts.
The team is proceeding as if Allen won't return, and Adam Snyder is the starter at Allen's former position.
About the writer:
- Read Matthew Barrows' 49ers blog at www.sacbee.com/ blogs.
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