5 players that could be this year's Johnny Manziel

Over the next few weeks, we will be taking an in-depth look at the upcoming college football season. Want more? Read our full preview. 

The 2013 NCAA football season was unquestionably the year of Johnny Football. It seemed that every day a new photograph, story, or debate raged about Texas A&M quarterback Johnny Manziel's off-the-field transgressions and on-the-field potential. 

With Manziel now working his way into a position battle for the Cleveland Browns, the media will have to find another set of targets to scour over every movement and muscle twitch. 

Here are the five most likely candidates to become this season's Johnny Manziel.

Jameis Winston - QB - Florida State

Last season, columnists just about split time between Manziel and Florida State Seminoles quarterback Jameis Winston. With Manziel in the NFL and Winston coming off a Heisman Trophy and National Championship win, it is time for the media to get shameless with Jameis. 

Winston posted one of the greatest freshman seasons in history last year, and the spotlight will unquestionably be on him to repeat his performance while keeping his nose clean. His newfound fame has already thrust him under the media microscope, as he has made many comedic headlines following an investigation into some stolen crab legs. 

To keep up with the incredible pace he's already set for himself in his young career, Winston will have to keep his focus on the football field and off the seafood aisle. 

Sammie Coates - WR - Auburn

6-foot-2, 210-pound receiver Sammie Coates will likely be near the top of every scouts position rankings by the end of the season. 

An explosive and strong runner, Coates began near viral sensation status last season thanks to a pair of impressive feats. First, he showcased his exceptional strength in an October game against Texas A&M by tossing aside an Aggies defensive back with shocking ease. 

[Courtesy: CBS Sports]

Then, in April, Coates popped up again by allegedly running a 4.16 40-yard dash, which would have stood as a full tenth of a second faster than anybody posted at the most recent NFL Combine. 

The dubiousness of the time is arguable, but what can't be doubted is how often Coates can be expected to dominate the highlight film of Tigers' games this season. 

Braxton Miller - QB - Ohio State

Ohio State Buckeyes quarterback Braxton Miller is about to understand what its like to be in the middle of the media firestorm. 

Known as a quiet, keep-to-himself kind of guy, Miller enters his final season with the Buckeyes facing expectations of a monster season. He accounted for 36 touchdowns despite missing a chunk of last year, and will have to be up to his best as the trained eyes of the NFL begin to pick apart every aspect of his game. 

While he might not come close to feeling the same amount of off-the-field heat, Miller will be weekly fodder for questions about whether his dual-threat style can translate to NFL success. 

Todd Gurley - RB - Georgia

The reviews have not minced words. People are called Georgia Bulldogs running back Todd Gurley the best collegiate running back in the country, hands down. 

Hailed as a perfect blend of size and speed, the 6-foot-1, 226 pound Gurley is expected to run roughshod over even the most talented SEC defenses. Along with his thunderous running style, he boasts one of the more fun instagram accounts in the NCAA. 

There are no sparkler-covered vodka bottles there yet, but who can argue with a selfie live from Bulldogs cheerleading camp? 

Marcus Mariota - QB - Oregon

Oregon Ducks quarterback Marcus Mariota is not the type to seek media attention, but his consistent dominance in the PAC-12 is bringing the media to him. 

"The intensity level of the attention has certainly grown. I've seen that over just the last three years." Mariota said to ESPN while being surrounded by reporters in a mid-July media gauntlet. "But I just need to take care of my business, and everything should stay normal. If it doesn't, I think the coaches and the university trust me to handle it -- just like I trust them to handle it."

Top-level quarterbacks traditionally stay near campus in the summer, but Mariota was quick to get away back to Honolulu, Hawaii, to take a break from the attention after a Heisman nominated season. 

Just as the media did with Cam Newton, Manti Te'o, Manziel, Jadeveon Clowney, and Winston, Mariota expects the spotlight to burn brighter than it ever has in his junior season. The man without a twitter account won't be expected to post many buzz-worthy headlines, but a never-ending scrutiny of his every pass and possession this season will surely follow him.