Linebacker Chris Borland is the new emerging star for the National Football League's (NFL) San Francisco 49ers following the team's most recent game against the New York Giants.

In just three games, the third round rookie from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, has already amassed 47 tackles despite only starting for four games.

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Borland also contributed two interceptions out of the team's total of five.

He is the first 49ers rookie to have two interceptions in one game, and joins Ken Norton Jr., in 1995 as the only 49ers linebacker with two interceptions in game over the past 40 years.

According to Pro Football Focus' inside linebacker ratings for the season, Borland is only second to the Carolina Panthers' Luke Kuechly. His recent actions have begun to turn heads and draw considerations for the Defensive Rookie of the Year honors.

49ers Head Coach Jim Harbaugh said of Borland that he is like a thief in the night that is coming to steal your football.

Around the NFL writer Chris Wesseling said that one of the most telling signs of Borland's added value to the 49ers is the fact that the defense of the team has not missed a beat considering that five-time first-team All-Pro Patrick Willis is out of the lineup.

Wesseling adds that Borland boasts impeccable instincts, above-average power, and good closing speed which results in the best run-stop percentage in the league.

"He's just dripping with instincts," NFL Media's Daniel Jeremiah explained Monday on NFL NOW's Scout's Eye. "We like to say in scouting, 'You really want a linebacker to shoot his gun and make a decision.' ... And he does that."

Borland was the 2013 Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year and set the conference record for career forced fumbles when he was playing in Wisconsin. He slid in the 2014 NFL draft due to his height (5-foot-11) and straight-line speed (4.83 40 yard-dash).

His effort is beginning to show though. And with Willis out, he has secured a permanent starting position in the 49ers' lineup.

TagsChris Borland, San Francisco 49ers, Jim Harbaugh, Star