SANTA CLARA, Calif. — San Francisco 49ers linebacker Jeff Ulbrich, a one-time starter and nine-year veteran, is the early leader at the starting spot next to all-pro Patrick Willis.

Ulbrich, a former University of Hawaii star, is battling Brandon Moore, Dontarrious Thomas and rookie Larry Grant at the "Ted" linebacker spot vacated with the release of Derek Smith, now with the San Diego Chargers.

Ulbrich is one of several players engaged in a position battle this summer.

First-round draft pick and recently signed Kentwan Balmer is currently listed No.2 on the depth chart at left defensive end behind Isaac Sopoaga, another former UH standout.

Balmer, who signed a deal worth $11 million, $6 million of which is guaranteed, also could see time at nose tackle, where Aubrayo Franklin is the incumbent.

The biggest competition, of course, will be at quarterback, where Alex Smith and Shaun Hill will continue to share snaps with the first-team offense.

Coach Mike Nolan has said the tentative plan is to allow each player to start one exhibition game before he, offensive coordinator Mike Martz and quarterbacks coach Ted Tollner decide on a long-term starter by the third exhibition game in Chicago on Aug. 21.

Smith acknowledged he and Hill have a tough balancing act ahead of them. Martz wants them to loosen up and take chances in a passing game, a concept Smith called "cutting it loose." But neither player wants to make mistakes that allow his competitor to get a leg up.

Still, Smith said he does not resent the competition and seemed happy and relaxed on the eve of his fourth training camp with his fourth offensive coordinator. He also said there was enough time to master Martz's offenses while sharing snaps.

"Camp's so long, and there are four preseason games," he said. "I think (there's enough time). I don't know exactly when they're planning on naming a starter."

More position battles will occur on the right side of the offensive line.

At right guard, David Baas is recovering from a torn chest tendon and could miss the exhibition season. Tony Wragge will practice with the first-team offensive line initially but will be challenged by second-round draft pick Chilo Rachal, who has been moved back to right guard.

To their right, Jonas Jennings will try to fend off ex-Raider Barry Sims, who was signed in June. Jennings is the more talented of the two, but his frequent injury issues have landed him in Nolan's doghouse.

Another UH player, receiver Ashley Lelie also is battling for playing time in a crowded receiver corps that includes ex-Ram Isaac Bruce, ex-Cardinal Bryant Johnson, veteran Arnaz Battle and newcomers Jason Hill, a third-round pick in 2007, and Josh Morgan, a sixth-round pick in 2008.