Out of the blue

When sophomore linebacker Nick Gilbo took the field Aug. 31 against No. 2 Ohio State, there were 103,980 people in the stands. That's approximately 87 times the number of people who live in Gilbo's hometown of Port Henry, N.Y., where the population is 1,194 people, according to the 2010 census.

"During halftime, you tried to soak it in a little bit," Gilbo said. "You just looked around and said, 'This is basically a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. It's pretty special.'"

Despite the overwhelming crowd, Gilbo shined on the biggest stage the Bulls will see this year, recording four tackles, a sack and a forced fumble.

He is listed as the second inside linebacker on the depth chart - behind junior Lee Skinner - and wasn't given much attention coming into the opening weekend. Gilbo didn't even know how much playing time he was going to get.

"I was on a couple special teams, and I assumed [head coach Jeff Quinn] was going to rotate us in because it was so hot," Gilbo said.

Given the opportunity to perform, he stepped up and helped the linebacking core perform admirably on the national stage.

This year is Gilbo's second as a Bull after he spent his freshman year at Hudson Valley Community College (HVCC). He transferred to UB in 2012 and spent the season on the scout team as a redshirt. Gilbo wanted to play football coming out of high school, which led him to HVCC, where he thought he could find playing time.

"I just wanted to keep playing football in college," Gilbo said. "I went down there for camp and there was a ton of talent. I just busted my tail every day and got a starting job."

After the season, he talked to a few Buffalo coaches and visited during the Bulls' spring game. He had a feeling Buffalo's program was a good fit, but it was the academics that pushed him to come to UB.

"That was basically what got me here, the business school," Gilbo said. "If I graduate with a business degree here, I'll get a really good job because it's one of the top schools around."

Despite spending last season on the scout team as a non-scholarship player, Gilbo was motivated to continue playing football.

Before this season, he earned a scholarship from Quinn.

"Nick is a competitor," Quinn said. "You see it in his meeting, drill work, preparations. He's a contact guy and you see it in his work."

Gilbo adds depth to an already solid core of linebackers. Skinner and seniors Khalil Mack and Adam Redden are big contributors.

Along with Gilbo, juniors Blake Bean and Jake Stockman play big roles in the defensive scheme. They help anchor a defensive unit that has high aspirations.

Despite their rough day against Baylor, which amassed 70 points, Quinn still believes this linebacking unit can do big things.

"That group right there, we are going to lean very heavily on their leadership and playmaking ability consistently, and it will help us become a better defense," Quinn said.

Gilbo just wants to keep playing football. Even when he redshirted last season, he took advantage of the opportunity to make his teammates better.

"After a while, just playing scout team and just keep working hard and making everyone else better, that's what it's all about," Gilbo said. "Everyone on this team is important ... you didn't get to play on Saturday, but you got to play all week."

Only one year after walking on, Gilbo has earned a scholarship and found a place among a talented linebacking core.

"It's been a dream, but it's been a lot of ups and downs," Gilbo said.

Gilbo and the Bulls take on Stony Brook Saturday at 3:30 p.m. at UB Stadium. The game will be broadcast on ESPN3.

Email: sports@ubspectrum.com