East Lansing, MI (My Sportsbook) - Michigan State quarterback Jeff Smoker was reinstated by the team on Wednesday. Smoker was suspended indefinitely last October and admitted to a substance-abuse problem.

He missed the Spartans' final five games of the season.

"Jeff Smoker's recovery is an on-going process, but he has done everything we have asked him to do," said new head coach John L. Smith. "In fact, he has gone the extra mile. He's a good-hearted young man who deserved a second chance."

The senior has been training with the team during summer workouts and could be in line to regain the starter's role. He is vying for the position with redshirt freshman Drew Stanton and junior Damon Dowdell.

"We're blessed with great depth at quarterback," Smith added. "Both Drew Stanton and Damon Dowdell are capable of winning the starting job, but now Jeff is back in the mix. The competition should bring out the best in all three of those guys.

"We'd like to name a starting quarterback as soon as someone steps forward and separates himself from the pack."

Smoker completed 56 percent of his passes for 1,593 yards with 13 touchdowns and seven interceptions in seven games last season. He has a record of 13-11 in 24 career starts and needs just 122 total yards to become Michigan State's all-time leader in total offense.

Dowdell started the final five contests in Smoker's place and finished the season throwing for 1,097 yards with 10 touchdowns and four interceptions in nine games overall.

The Spartans, who finished last season with a 4-8 mark, will open the 2003 campaign on August 30 against Western Michigan.