BillsFever
07-25-2003, 09:57 AM
EAST LANSING, Mich. (AP) -- Michigan State will start redshirt freshman Drew Stanton at quarterback, but Jeff Smoker may be able to regain the job later in the season, new coach John L. Smith says.
"It might not be right off the bat, but I can see him possibly being the guy," Smith said Wednesday at the Big Ten meetings in Chicago.
Smoker, who acknowledged a substance-abuse problem and was suspended for the final five games last season, still hasn't been officially reinstated to the team. But Smith said Smoker stayed on track this summer in his comeback bid.
"Do we think he's going to be there? Yeah, we do," Smith told The Detroit News. "Our quarterback position is pretty darn good. That would add some icing on the cake.
Smoker passed for 2,579 yards and 21 touchdowns, with eight interceptions, during the 2001 season. But his personal problems led to a miserable season last year for him (six touchdown passes, seven interceptions) and the Spartans (4-8).
A more definitive decision on Smoker's status is likely to be announced by Aug. 23, preferably before then, Smith said. Michigan State's opener is Aug. 30 against Western Michigan.
http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/football/college/news/2003/07/24/msu_smoker_ap/
"It might not be right off the bat, but I can see him possibly being the guy," Smith said Wednesday at the Big Ten meetings in Chicago.
Smoker, who acknowledged a substance-abuse problem and was suspended for the final five games last season, still hasn't been officially reinstated to the team. But Smith said Smoker stayed on track this summer in his comeback bid.
"Do we think he's going to be there? Yeah, we do," Smith told The Detroit News. "Our quarterback position is pretty darn good. That would add some icing on the cake.
Smoker passed for 2,579 yards and 21 touchdowns, with eight interceptions, during the 2001 season. But his personal problems led to a miserable season last year for him (six touchdown passes, seven interceptions) and the Spartans (4-8).
A more definitive decision on Smoker's status is likely to be announced by Aug. 23, preferably before then, Smith said. Michigan State's opener is Aug. 30 against Western Michigan.
http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/football/college/news/2003/07/24/msu_smoker_ap/