EAST LANSING, Mich., Aug. 13 (UPI) -- Senior quarterback Jeff Smoker of Michigan State, suspended in October after admitting to a substance abuse problem, has been reinstated.
The decision was made by new coach John L. Smith. Working out with the team during a suspension, Smoker took snaps with the first team during the first few days of Michigan State's preseason practice and was in Friday's team photo.
His return creates a three-way battle for the starting quarterback job with freshman Drew Stanton and junior Damon Dowdell, his replacement last season.
Smoker, who entered a substance abuse program following his suspension, passed for 2,579 yards and 21 interceptions in 2001, but seemed to let personal problems affect his play last year. In seven games, he threw just six touchdowns and seven interceptions.
Dowdell played in nine games last season, starting the final five after Smoker was suspended. He passed for 1,097 yards with 10 touchdowns and four interceptions.
The Spartans lost eight of their final nine games, including a season-ending 61-7 drubbing at the hands of Penn State. They are coming off a 4-8 campaign that cost former coach Bobby Williams his job. They begin their 2003 season against Western Michigan on Aug. 30.
