Searels ' gamble to play two freshmen on the line last year (Espinosa and OT Josh Cochran ) should pay off this season. "I told people all last year that we're young in the offensive line and we're going to lose some games, because that's what happens when you're young in the offensive line," Glynn said. "But I told them to wait one or two years, because that's when it's going to be exciting. I think we're on that trajectory." Teammates have said Espinosa is taking much more of a leadership role on the line and has become much more assertive in making the calls. "Dom has stepped up big as a leader, making all the calls and making sure the line is reading the defense correctly and connecting all the assignments," said left guard Trey Hopkins . INCREASED EXPECTATIONS: Espinosa will be better off for starting his redshirt freshman season, despite some obvious struggles against bigger, more experienced defensive tackles. "He had your typical first year," Glynn said. "He would do well a big percentage of the time. But any freshman is going to be on the ground more than he should be. "I'm sure the game was really fast for him. This year, I think he's going to do really well. The more you play, the slower the game gets and you just get comfortable. "You know your strengths and weaknesses and play to all that stuff. He is doing that and will do that this year."