7 players you can't miss this season
In case they haven't already, there will come a time when people will realize that Jameis Winston isn't the only interesting player in college football today.
That time is now.
Here's a look at seven worthy college football players who have something to prove and are ready to turn some heads this 2014 season.
Amari Cooper, WR (Alabama)
A top-tier wide receiver that will likely draw a lot of NFL interest next year, Amari Cooper is in line for a big year after a bit of dropoff in production from 2012 to 2013.
Cooper registered 736 receiving yards last season with the Alabama Crimson Tide, down from the 1,000 receiving yards he accounted for the previous year. Though he's still easily one of the best young receivers in the country, look for a motivated performance that could lead to some huge numbers this season.
Ifo Ekpre-Olomu, CB (Oregon)
One of the best cornerbacks in college football returns for another season with the Oregon Ducks after deciding to rejoin the team instead of going to NFL, as many expected him to do.
Ekpre-Olomu is one of the foundations of a great Oregon team and his 84 tackles last season were second on the team and Ducks secondary coach John Neal also said he might be the best player he's ever coached.
Cameron Erving, OT (Florida State)
Tasked with the job of keeping star quarterback Jameis Winston safe, Cameron Erving will be a crucial part of Florida State's success again this season.
After starting his college football career as a defensive tackle in his 2010 freshman year, Erving eventually moved to offensive tackle in 2012 and has since become one of the best players at his position.
Duke Johnson, RB (Miami)
Running back Duke Johnson has been a steady force on a solid Miami Hurricanes team. Registering 947 rushing yards on 139 carries with ten touchdowns in 2012, Johnson followed that up with 920 rushing yards on 145 carries with six touchdowns in just eight games.
With his injury issues hopefully behind him, Johnson should easily put up over 1,000 yards this season and become a pivotal part of a Miami offense that is still having trouble finding a definitive starting quarterback.
Taylor Kelly, QB (Arizona State)
Playing in a conference with UCLA's Brett Hundley and Oregon's Marcus Mariota, Arizona State quarterback Taylor Kelly hasn't really gotten the praise he deserves as one of the most prolific passers in the Pac-12.
Kelly not only recorded 3,635 passing yards for Arizona State last season, but he also finished second on the team in rushing yards with 608. His production has been consistent in high volumes and he's certainly capable of another brilliant season.
Venric Mark, RB (Northwestern)
After a breakout freshman season in 2012 where he registered 1,366 rushing yards, Venric Mark missed the majority of the 2013 season with injuries and Northwestern went from a record of 10-3 to 5-7. That's no coincidence.
Mark finished the 2012 season 12th overall in all-purpose running and 26th in rushing. Northwestern might be out of luck, however, as reports say he's eyeing a transfer to Texas Tech or a Division-II school.
Regardless of where he ends up playing, Mark should prove to be an immediate impact player.
Andre Monroe, DL (Maryland)
As one of the new kids on the block in the Big Ten, Maryland needs players to step up and take the reigns as a legitimate threat in college football's oldest division - one of those players could be defensive lineman Andre Monroe.
After a sensational freshman season in 2011 where he led Maryland with five sacks and earned an All-American consideration, Monroe missed the 2012 season with a knee injury and only started four games in 2013.
If Monroe is able to stay healthy and return to his 2011 form, he has the potential to be one of the most devastating defensive linemen in the Big Ten.