San Francisco 49ers linebacker Chris Borland is prepared to battle it out with his teammates to win a starting spot on his side's defense for the 2014 campaign.

The 23-year-old was selected in the third round of the 2014 Draft, and is looking to secure the vacant inside linebacker slot left open by an injury to NaVorro Bowman in the NFC championship game.

However, Borland knows that he will face staunch competition from Michael Wilhoite in his side's training camp, which starts later this month.

"I think it's his spot right now, but I'm going to fight for it," Borland told the Wisconsin State Journal.

"That's the story of the NFL, everyone fights to get on top and once you're there, you fight to stay there.

"Hopefully, I can earn that position. I'll do everything in my power, but you can't change anything you've ever done. Just stick to the formula and hope it works out."

Borland recorded 111 tackles and four sacks for the Wisconsin Badgers in the 2013 season.