Mike Singletary didn't want to wait any longer, so on Monday he named Shaun Hill as the 49ers' Week One starting quarterback.

Singletary cited Hill's leadership and command in the huddle as two factors that gave Hill an edge over former No. 1 overall pick Alex Smith. Singletary said he thought it was best to make the decision now so that players would know "who can we rally around right now."

"I just felt that right now would be the best time, not only for the quarterbacks but it was the best time for the team," Singletary said.

Hill has started 10 games during his seven-year career, including the final eight games last season, when he posted a 5-3 record.

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