The competition for the San Francisco 49ers' starting quarterback job is seen as a three-person race among Alex Smith, Shaun Hill and J.T. O'Sullivan.

The fact that the repetitions could be spread out when training camp opens could cause some problems for the 49ers, though. After all, the 49ers are implementing a new, complex offense this season under offensive coordinator Mike Martz.

So far, it's not a big deal, Martz said. But the longer the competition is waged, the more problems it will cause, according to the new coordinator.

"Whether we have a starter or not doesn't change the information they're trying to handle," Martz said after the club wrapped up a three-day minicamp earlier this month. "(The starter) might get a few more snaps, but it's not significant right now. Now, the longer it goes, you'd like to have a sense of where it's going. But we have plenty of time."

The 49ers are scheduled to have 12 days of practice during organized team activities in June. Coach Mike Nolan said he might make a preliminary decision on the team's starting quarterback at the beginning of training camp on July 24.

"In a perfect world, you'd have a one, a two and a three," Nolan said. "But before you get to the perfect world, somebody has to win the job.

"If we can come to that point where we think at the beginning of training camp that this is where we're leaning, we'll show that. I don't have any timetable on that. If we do (make a decision), I'll feel a little better. And I think it'll raise the level of competition because the guys will know where they stand."

O'Sullivan spent last season with Martz as the Detroit Lions' backup quarterback. However, Smith and Hill are new to Martz's coaching. His offense is famed for its sophisticated approach. There are strict rules for the quarterback and route runners to follow.

That level of detail is a good thing for a quarterback who has a firm grasp of the system. But it can create problems for someone new to the scheme.

"The nice thing as far as a quarterback, you are given a lot of answers and knowledge," Smith said. "When we are installing plays and going thru the offense, we are given a lot as far as answers versus different coverages, different techniques -- zone or man.

"Everything is given to you beforehand, whereas a lot of times you are learning that on the go. It can seem like a lot, but I think eventually it is really going to help me and the other quarterbacks in decision-making."

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