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QB Shaun Hill, San Francisco 49ers

HT: 6-3, WT: 226, Born: 1-9-1980, College: Maryland, Drafted: ---

2008 Projections

Best Case

Shaun Hill showed promise at the end of 2007 when given a 3 game starting run. The 49ers rewarded his performance by giving him a new 3 year contract and a shot at running the Mike Martz show. Hill has the quick release that Martz loves in his quarterbacks, while his main competition for the job in Alex Smith looks vulnerable from many areas: Health, clashes with head coach Mike Nolan and poor performance. Even some teammates appear to be backing Hill such as Vernon Davis who got 2 of his 4 touchdowns in Hill's 3 games.

Worst Case

Strong late season performances can be misleading. Shaun Hill posted stats against a Minnesota defense in prevention mode, an awful Bengals D and a Tampa D with nothing to play for. We have yet to see Hill play under true pressure. The intensity of early season games gets to the best of QBs, let alone an inexperienced one like Hill. Before we even get to that stage, Hill has to beat out former No. 1 overall pick Alex Smith. Smith would have to be the favorite over the undrafted Hill who languished as the No. 3 in Minnesota for 4 years. Not only does Hill have Smith to contend with, J.T O'Sullivan has first hand practical knowledge of the Martz playbook and Hill could end up anywhere from starter to No. 3.

Outlook

Shaun Hill impressed the 49ers organization with his solid display at the end of 2007. Mike Martz has a proven fantasy track record. Unfortunately 1 + 1 isn't equal to 2 here. There are no guarantees that Hill gets first shot at the starting job. 2004 No. 1 draft pick overall, Alex Smith will be given every chance to win. If Smith fails to dazzle, then Hill could be a late draft pick that turns into fantasy gold. Pay attention during camp and preseason as this is one battle that could have a huge impact on fantasy seasons in 2008.

Relevant Articles

2008 Schedule

2007 Game Summaries

Week 14 - Hill replaced Dilfer at the start of the second half. Hill started the half off very well, leading the 49ers on a 12 play touchdown scoring drive. He made a nice throw to Arnaz Battle in the end zone, but that was the only scoring the 49ers could muster. For the remainder of the game, Hill accepted taking the underneath open receivers the Vikings allowed. Thus, Hill had a nice completion percentage, but did not get much anything going deep down the field to get the 49ers back into the game.

Week 15 - Hill got the start because back-up turned starter, Trent Dilfer, suffered a concussion in last week's game against Minnesota and was ruled out for this game. It was Hill's first start in the NFL, and he is coming off a nice performance last week where he went 22 of 27 for 181 yards and one touchdown in relief of Dilfer. Hill picked up where he left off last week, by completing 9 of his first 10 passes for 84 yards and scored on a three yard bootleg to the right side of the field. He looked good early as the 49ers ran short to intermediate routes very effectively against a suspect Cincinnati secondary. Hill's impressive first half continued as he hit TE Vernon Davis on 17 yard touchdown pass over the middle to cap off a 76 yard scoring drive late in the first half. He finished the first half 14 for 18 for 149 yards and two touchdowns (one passing and one rushing.) Hill and the passing game took a back seat to the 49ers rushing game in the third quarter as he led them to two field goals. He did not make any critical mistakes and gave San Francisco something they have not had all year, a balanced attack from the air and on the ground. Playing the Bengals defense also helped Hill this game as they did little to get pressure on him and the Cincinnati defensive backs struggled mightily to keep their guy covered.

Week 16 - Hill did not post huge numbers with just 123 passing yards, but came up with three big plays in the passing game, where he connected with WR Darrell Jackson, TE Vernon Davis and RB Frank Gore for touchdown scores to help seal the deal for the 49ers. Hill did throw an interception and completed just 11 of 24 pass attempts, but did just enough to help his team to victory.